Meanwhile, President Bush yesterday bypassed both houses of Congress and issued a series of executive orders directing federal agencies to allow religious charities to receive more government grants and contracts. The order allows federal dollars to go to religious groups that discriminate in hiring based on sexual orientation, religion or race. The Reverend Barry Lynn is executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He accused Bush of being on “a crusade to bring about an unprecedented merger of religion and government. ” Lynn said his organization will challenge Bush’s order in court.