[Aevery_Freeman]

Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
- George Washington

Government is the wrong tool for any form of charity. Someone has to have the permission for the controlled use of force to prevent the uncontrolled use of force.
The only proper use of force is the suppression of uncontrolled force, any other use is evil.

[Aevery_Freeman]

To complete the thought (sorry, cold medicine kicking in): Religions should not try to use the government (force) to achieve charitable goals.

[concerned about politics]

Government is the wrong tool for any form of charity.

Charity from the heart is true altruism.
Government forced charity is slavery.