Bush speaks at National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast

Religious faith is “an important source of goodness in our country,” President George W. Bush said may 16 at the first National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast.

“Throughout our history, Americans of faith have always turned to prayer- for wisdom, prayer for resolve, prayers for compassion and strength, prayers for commitment to justice and for a spirit of forgiveness,” said Bush.

Bush acknowledged that people can be good without religious faith. “America has many traditions of faith, and that’s important,” he said. “We have never imposed any religion, and that’s really important to remember, too. We welcome all religions in America, all religions. We honor diversity in this country. We respect people’s deep convictions.”

Still, faith plays a special role in American life, Bush said. “Since America’s founding, prayer has reassured us that the hand of God is guiding the affairs of this nation,” he said. “We have never asserted a special claim on His favor, yet we’ve always believed in God’s presence in our lives. This has always been true. But it has never been more true since September the 11^th.”

Role of prayer

“Prayer has comforted people in grief,” Bush said. “Prayer has served as a unifying factor in our nation. Prayer gives us strength for the journey ahead. Millions of Americans have turned to prayer during these times, and have been reminded of an important truth- while weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning.”

Noting that America has responded to the current crisis with strength and confidence, Bush cautioned, “Prayer reminds us that a great people must be humble before God, searching for wisdom- constantly searching for wisdom- from the almighty Dios.”

The President used the opportunity to push for his faith-based initiative, a plan to make it easier for religious ministries to receive government funding for social service work. “We know how important faith can be, and we know that faith without works, without action, is dead,” Bush said, quoting Scripture. “True faith is never isolated from the rest of life. It proves itself through actions and sacrifice, through acts of kindness and caring for those in need.”

(EP)