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TechnoratiIf Congress were to take a step further and reverse legislation that bans federal money from being used to create or destroy human embryos for research, "then we're going back into the culture wars," Hunter said.
Douglas Kmiec, a Pepperdine University law professor, Catholic opponent of abortion and former Reagan administration lawyer who became a lightning rod in the Catholic community for endorsing Obama, said he was encouraged by the administration's first seven weeks.
He cited the abortion reduction goal, provisions in the stimulus package to help the poor and Senate approval of an expansion of State Children's Health Insurance Program, which Catholics on the left have promoted as a way to improve socio-economic conditions and reduce abortion rates.
"As far as the expectations I had for a president who is a pro-choice president and did not share my pro-life views, President Obama has been honest about what he intended to do and has done those things," Kmiec said. "He has been honest, we've been honest about our disagreements, and the conversation continues."
Joshua DuBois, director of the faith-based office, said in a statement that "we have ... begun to work with key leaders on tough issues in hopes of finding common ground," and added that the work would continue.
Some Christian leaders invited to the Democratic table during the campaign made clear they would challenge Obama if necessary. At an interfaith service opening the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Bishop Charles E. Blake drew attention for chiding those who show "disregard for the lives of the unborn."
Blake, presiding bishop of the 6 million-member Church of God in Christ, a predominantly black Pentecostal denomination, also challenged Obama to adopt policies to reduce abortions.
"I can only believe he is going to keep that commitment," Blake said this week of Obama's promise to enact such policies. "There might have been some political motivation that caused him to take the early positions he has taken. But I think he will be just as aggressive and consistent in pursuing policies that will make abortions less necessary."
Cameron Strang, editor of Relevant Magazine, which is geared toward younger evangelicals the Obama campaign worked to target, said Obama has "done what he said he'd do."
He said he was impressed "that they are continuing the dialogue," adding that he felt "there's an opportunity for Christians to be optimistic they will continue to have a place at the table during this administration."
For others, Obama's actions on stem cells, abortion and the conscience clause represent an "extreme shift toward the left," said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, an evangelical group.
"I like our president. I pray for our president. I want our president to succeed," said Rodriguez, who took part in Obama transition team conference calls. "But we need our president to really govern from the center and not from the extremes."
But Hunter, the Orlando pastor, called for patience.
"I think it's premature to make a judgment," Hunter said. "The president in most cases is taking a wise and cautious course. I think a lot of people are just shooting warning shots across the bow right now."
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