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Religious Broadcasters 1/29/90 [OA 4391] [2]
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25
6
7
3
Chris:
Here's the text and memo. Several points:
1) P. 1, last graph. It's indeed true that "no society is more
religious than the United States of America." Talked with Mrs.
George Gallup from Princeton, N.J. -- Gallup Poll has run
numerous polls to this effect in last several years. Gallup
himself makes this point in speeches.
2) P. 2, 4th graph. Doug Wead had substituted "upheaval" for
"change" -- but to go better with last part of sentence ("these
values haven't changed"), he and I thought it might be better to
leave the first "change" intact. If you disagree, change back!
3) P. 3, 2nd graph. Doug looked at reference to "Saul" and
"conversion." Said they're fine -- should play well with born-
agains.
4) P. 5, 2nd graph. Again, Wead. He looked at Graham
material, and said it's absolutely correct.
4) P. 5, last graph. I changed "no blood" to "no violence" --
where you had a question mark. You're right -- "blood" was
confusing.
Any questions, give me a call. Have a great weekend.
Cum
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
Ilikit!
1/29/90
(Smith/Blessey)
11:00 P.M.
January 28, 1990
CAST
M
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
onehage
President Rose, Director Cook, Dr. Robertson -- and I want
to salute your leadership of the NRB. Ladies and gentlemen.
((It is often said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a
prayer." Well, I am pleased to be with an audience about whom
that will never be said.) ) //
This marks the fourth time I have had the honor of
addressing the annual convention of the National Religious
Broadcasters. And once again, it is a delight to be back.
In the spirit of the occasion, I want to make two VOWS.
First, I'll be brief. ((I know there's a mention in the Bible
about the Burning Bush -- but I also know that compared to most
around me here, I'm not that hot a speaker. )) //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ( (Pat Robertson warned me that
the agnostics in this room are very bad.) ) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man: There is
no denying that America is a religious nation. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ((I'm
reminded of what the French statesman Talleyrand once said of
America: "I found there a country with thirty-two religions and
2
only one sauce.")) // Yet we know what unites us eclipses what
divides us. For we believe that political values without moral
values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. I speak of the qualities of tolerance and decency,
courage and responsibility, and of course, faith. Values which
remind us that while God can live without man, man cannot live
without God. //
Today, amid political and economic upheaval, these values
haven't changed. Nor will they be more crucial than in the
1990s.
Now, you know me. I'm an optimist. ((After all, last year
I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running out of
prayers and had almost given up hope. Then a miracle occurred.
// I caught a fish. )) // So it won't surprise you that I'm
convinced we can -- and will -- uphold the values I'm referring
to. For as Americans, we always have.
Consider that for more than two centuries, America has
endorsed the separation of church and state. But it has also
shown how religion and government can co-exist. // And that --
endaved
to paraphrase our founding document -- all men are created not by
government but by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.
These rights include the freedom of expression. And to
think, dream, and worship as we please. Equal protection under
the law. And the right to choose our leaders and our destinies.
3
The inherent dignity of the individual. // And we must manifest
that dignity by the policies we pursue.
For example, I believe that we should help parents obtain
the best child-care for their kids. // So we have sent
legislation to Congress to make good that goal. I want to ensure
that parents, not bureaucrats, are the ones who decide how to
care for their children. And I will not see the option of
religious-based child care restricted or eliminated. //
Next, there's the concern of every child: the quality and
diversity of America's schools. // Our pioneering legislation
-- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will spur
excellence and demand accountability. For our kids's sake, let's
help American education make the grade. //
We come next to an issue on which Americans consaience
let we be clear.
can, and do, disagree. For my part I support the sanctity of
life. We need policies that encourage adoption, not abortion. //
Finally, I continue to support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
school prayer. So I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring
voluntary prayer. We need the Faith of our Fathers back in our
schools.
will
policies reflect the rights of the individual -- a
concept as old as the Scriptures. Rights which form the essence
of America. And that to other Nations, have become the message
of America -- for our freedoms have been carried to every corner
of the earth. //
LAS we containe +neggle to find answers 5 one
pressing social problems, I will endorse
onlicies Hist reflect
4
One year ago in my Inaugural Address, I said, "The day of
the dictator is over." // And indeed, the last year has been a
victory for the freedoms with which God has blessed America. We
have seen the rights of man move mountains or --- as in East
Berlin -- even move a wall. //
Think of Central America, where men and women --- facing
great personal risk -- work for human rights and against tyranny
of any ideology. And let me add: I am especially proud of our
troops in Panama. Americans supported "Operation Just Cause"
because democracy is a noble cause. // And to the young
soldiers who served this country, every American thanks you. //
Think, next, of South Africa and the Philippines, where the
values of church leaders have been a force for democratic change.
// And, yes, in Eastern Europe, too. Where for centuries faith
has sustained those striving for freedom amid adversity.
You know, eight years ago one of the Lord's great
ambassadors, the Reverend Billy Graham, went to Eastern Europe
and the Soviet Union. And upon returning spoke of a movement
there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw it before
many others because it takes a man of God to sense the early
movement of the hand of God. // Yet who could predict that in
1989, freedom's tide would also be economic, political, and
intellectual? Or that the walls of bayonets and barbed wire --
the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Look, first, at East Germany -- where in 1982 -- long
before last November's mass demonstrations -- members of
good
5
Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began a weekly "prayer for peace."
At the services, students were taught non-violence. And started
the candle-light vigils that would one day rouse a continent.
The police came and threatened them. But the students vowed to
stay, and did. Becoming a light unto the world.
Ultimately, that light spread to Dresden and East Berlin.
And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would rather see
1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one drop of
blood.' // And there was no blood. Only the stirring sight
last October of 70,000 workers in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. And their light was
likened to "a blizzard of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone
that evening. They sought what we Americans enjoy: Free
markets, free elections, and the exercise of free will unhampered
by the state.
They were propelled by many things -- faith not the least of
them. And as they and others marched across Eastern Europe, the
day of the dictator did end. The day of democracy began.
Look at Bulgaria. Where last month the State Press Agency
conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each other
maybe for the first time without fear they would be accused of
being 'religious. // And Czechoslovakia. There, too, a
victory for the rights of man. For years, police chased carolers
from Prague's King's Road. This Christmas, carols warmed the
heart of the city. There was wonder in the air. // In the
Soviet Union, last year Moscow hosted the first nationwide
6
gathering of Jews since the fall of the Czar. And in Romania:
Still further victories. Christmas songs on the radio for the
first time since 1946. And heroes who showed that you can't lock
people behind walls forever -- when moral conviction uplifts
their hearts. //
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example illumined decency, courage,
and love.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo [LAZ-low] Tokes
[TO-kesh], who dared to speak of freedom. So last November in
Timisoara [Timmy-SCHWA-ra], masked thugs broke into the small
apartment of Tokes and his pregnant wife. They beat and stabbed
him. The government allowed them no food. // Even parishioners
were not permitted to bring bread; finally, the police arrived to
deport the pastor. But the flock protected him -- forming a
human chain around his apartment. In time, the chain grew across
the land. Until -- as we celebrated Christmas -- Romania's quest
for freedom summoned "lightness against the dark. " //
Today, Laszlo Tokes ministers to ever-larger numbers --
preaching his faith without fear. // As does Gheorghe [George]
Calciu [CAL-chew] -- a Romanian Orthodox minister. His story
proves you can't kill an idea -- or destroy the human will. //
Father Calciu [CAL-chew] has spent 21 of his 64 years in
jail. In fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing
the government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
7
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Father Calciu had faith. He
refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. And as he stood
in the corner of the prison yard, praying for his wife and son --
awaiting death -- it was then something remarkable occurred. //
His two executioners called to him. Surely, he thought,
this was the end. But instead they said, "Father" -- that was
the first time they called him that -- "we have decided not to
kill you." // Three weeks later, he asked permission to
celebrate the Divine Liturgy. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. 11
Father Calciu is with us today. Father, it's an honor to
salute you. // I know you're glad to be here. But I know, too,
you hope to return to your native land. And in this season of
miracles, who can doubt you will? // For today, the times are
on the side of peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the
side of God. //
For my own part, I know that this is true. For although
I've been President for barely a year, I believe -- with all my
heart -- that one cannot be America's President without a belief
in God.
Another President, Dwight Eisenhower -- beloved Ike -- once
said, "Free government is the political expression of a deeply-
felt religious faith." Let each of us use his faith to express
8
the noblest values of America. So that, together, we can serve
the inalienable rights of man.
Thank you for your work, and for your kindness. God bless
you. And God bless our beloved land -- the United States of
America.
# # # #
Document No. 107760
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/27/90
----
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATION WASHINGTON HOTEL
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
(1/26 - 7:30 PM draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
A
CICCONI
PINKERTON
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1930 JAN 26 PM 10: 42
January 26, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON and
FROM:
CURT SMITH S
SUBJECT:
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS' SPEECH
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m., you will addresss the
National Religious Broadcasters' 47th annual convention at the
Sheraton Hotel. About 2,000 people will attend. Among them will
be Pat Robertson, Director Robert Cook, and President Jerry Rose,
who will introduce you.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (15 minutes, teleprompter) discuss the
importance of values to America, citing school prayer, abortion,
education, and child care as examples. The text also describes
the role of religious faith in moving Eastern Europe toward
freedom. One person who embodies this faith is Father Gheorghe
Calciu [CAL-chew], a Romanian Orthodox priest. He and his son,
Andre, will accompany you to the Sheraton.
(Smith/Blessey)
7:30 P.M.
January 26, 1990
CAST
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
President Rose, Director Cook, Dr. Robertson-- and I want to
salute your leadership of the NRB. Ladies and gentlemen. ((It
is often said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a
prayer." Today, I am pleased to be with an audience about whom
that will never be said.) ) //
This marks the fourth time I have had the honor of
addressing the annual convention of the National Religious
Broadcasters. And once again, it is a delight to be back.
In the spirit of the occasion, I want to make two VOWS.
First, I'll be brief. ((I know there's a mention in the Bible
about the Burning Bush, but I also know I'm not that hot a
speaker.) ) //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ( (Pat Robertson warned me that
the agnostics in this room are very bad.)) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. According
to the Gallup Poll, there is no denying that America is a
religious nation. // Seven in ten Americans believe in life
after death. Eight in ten in a final Judgment Day and that God
2
works miracles. Nine in ten Americans pray. And 94 percent
believe in God. // To which I say: Thank God. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ((I'm
reminded of what the French statesman Talleyrand once said of
America: "I found there a country with thirty-two religions and
only one sauce.")) // Yet we know what unites us eclipses what
divides us. For we believe that political values without moral
values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. Values which reflect the eternal teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount. I speak of the qualities of freedom and
responsibility, generosity and faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic upheaval, these values
haven't changed. Nor have they been more crucial than in 1990.
They can help build a more decent America -- and help America
build a more decent world. But only if while endorsing the
separation of church and state, we also endorse the union of
conscience and government. //
At home, this means -- I believe -- that we must support
that most basic value -- the sanctity of life. // We need
policies that encourage adoption, not abortion. 11
Conscience and government also dictate that we must help
parents obtain the best child-care for their kids. // So we
have sent legislation to Congress to make good that goal. I want
to ensure that parents, not bureaucrats, are the ones who decide
3
how to care for their children. And I will not see the option of
religious-based child care restricted or eliminated. //
Next comes an issue that concerns all children: the quality
and diversity of America's schools. // Our pioneering
legislation -- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will
spur excellence, demand accountability, and allow our kids to
learn. Remember Saul on the Road to Damascus. We need a
conversion in American education. //
Finally, moral values support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
school prayer. I share that belief. So I endorse a
Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. We need the
Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. 11
Now, you know me. I'm an optimistic guy. (After all, last
year I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running
out of prayers and had almost given up hope. Then a miracle
occurred. // I caught a fish.)) // So it won't surprise you
that I'm convinced we can -- and will -- uphold these values.
And as we do, we will help do God's work. Yet that work must not
be for America alone. //
What, after all, does religion cherish? The dignity of each
human being. // And what does such dignity require?
Inevitably, the triumph of individual freedom. // Well, the
past year has been a victory for the freedoms with which God has
blessed America. A true season of miracles. // We have seen
4
how moral values can move mountains or -- as in East Berlin --
even move a wall. //
It was Christ Himself, of course, who asked us to be a light
unto the world. // So let us carry that light to every corner
of the world -- freedom of expression. And to think, dream, and
worship as we please. The freedom of equal protection under the
law. And to choose our leaders and our destinies. Our
Administration has reaffirmed these freedoms for which patriots
have given of themselves and of their lives.
Think of Central America, where men and women of God --
facing great personal risk -- work for human rights and against
tyranny of any ideology. // Think of South Africa and the
Philippines, where church leaders have been a force for
democratic change. // And, yes, of that miracle called Eastern
Europe. Where for centuries religion has sustained those
striving for freedom even amid adversity. And where men and
women of faith braved persecution to renew the faith which makes
us free.
More than five centuries ago, the Hungarian patriot Janos
Hunyadi (YAHN-osh HOON-yah-dee) stopped a would-be invasion. In
his honor, the Pope ordered each Catholic church to ring a bell
at the time of day the battle ended. Since then, Catholic church
bells around the world ring precisely at mid-day. // And
Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, and other Protestant
churches and Judaism -- they, too, have renewed our faith. Few
5
will forget heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Raoul Wallenberg,
who stood against Nazi evil. All were servants of God. //
Recall, more recently, this last miraculous year. And one
of the Lord's great ambassadors of this or any time, the Reverend
Billy Graham. // Eight years ago, Reverend Graham went to
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And upon returning spoke of
a movement there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw
it before many others because it takes a man of God to sense the
early movement of the hand of God. // Yet not even Reverend
Graham could predict how in 1989, the walls of bayonets and
barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Alongside Eastern Europe's democratic revolution was a
religious reawakening -- testimony to the indomitable spirit
sustained by faith.
Look, first, at the miracle of East Germany -- where in
1982 -- long before last November's mass demonstrations --
members of Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began a weekly "prayer
for peace." At the services, students were taught non-violence.
And started the candle-light vigils that would one day rouse a
continent. The police came and threatened them. But the
students would not be moved. They vowed to stay, and did.
Becoming a light unto the world.
As with the disciples, that light spread to Dresden and East
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would
rather see 1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one
drop of blood." // And there was no violence -- just as Christ
6
taught us. // Only the stirring sight last October of 70,000
workers -- brave, defiant -- in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. Their march rivaled "a
blizzard of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone that evening.
God was moving in miraculous -- not merely mysterious -- ways.
Look, next, at Bulgaria. Where last month the State Press
Agency conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each
other maybe for the first time without fear they would be accused
of being 'religious. // And Czechoslovakia. There, too, a
miracle. For years, police chased carolers from Prague's King's
Road. This Christmas, young voices echoed through the cold night
on Charles Bridge. Their carols warmed the heart of the city.
There was wonder in the air. // And in Romania: Still further
miracles. Christmas songs on the radio for the first time since
1946. And heroes who showed that you can't lock people behind
walls forever -- when they have religious faith locked in their
hearts. //
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example -- and God's miracle --
illumined Christ's special mission to mankind.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo [LAZ-low] Tokes
[TO-kesh], who dared to speak of freedom. So last November in
Timisoara [Timmy-SHORE-ah], masked thugs broke into the small
apartment of Tokes and his pregnant wife. They beat and stabbed
him. The government allowed them no food. // Even parishioners
were not allowed to bring bread; finally the police arrived to
7
deport the pastor. But the flock protected him -- forming a
human chain around his apartment. In time, the chain grew across
the land. Until -- as we celebrated Christmas -- Romania's
morning star of freedom summoned "lightness against the dark."
//
Today, Laszlo Tokes preaches his faith without fear --
ministering to ever-larger numbers -- truly, an ambassador of the
Lord. // As is Gheorghe [George] Calciu [CAL-chew] -- a
Romanian Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't destroy
an idea or the human will. 11
Father Calciu [CAL-chew] has spent 21 of his 64 years in
jail. In fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing
the government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Father Calciu had faith. He
refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. He stood in the
corner of the prison yard, praying for his wife and son, --
awaiting death.// It was then the miracle occurred. //
His two executioners called to him. Surely, he thought,
this was the end. But instead they said, "Father" -- that was
the first time they called him that -- "we have decided not to
kill you. // Three weeks later, he asked permission to
celebrate the Divine Liturgy. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. //
8
Father Calciu is with us today. Father, it's an honor to
salute you. // I know you're glad to be here. But I know, too,
you hope to return to your native land. And in this season of
miracles, who can doubt you will? // For today, the times are
on the side of peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the
side of God. 11
If you doubt it, think of this past holy season of miracles.
And of miracles we pray are yet to come. // Miracles that will
occur in Eastern Europe, in America, and around the globe.
Wherever one finds the truth that comes on one's knees.
For my own part, I know that this is true. For although I've
been President for barely a year, I believe -- with all my heart
-- that one cannot be America's President without a belief in God
and in prayer. I, too, believe in miracles.
Thank you for your work that spreads the Word -- and thank
you for your kindness. God bless America. And let me leave you
with the words of a favorite hymn, "God Be With You Till We Meet
Again."
#
#
#
#
Chis
I am troubled about aquating all the changes around the world
with God's will
easstern europe being
miraculous in the biblical sense
I hatre to equate freedom of expression only with Christ Himself's teaching
As president I must maintain a broader eprspective
many americans
have faith but noit Christian Faith
I think the examples of what religious freedom renders are good. end
of speech
]the big thing is to keep separation of cvhurch and state and not
equate all the change in europe or elsewhere with
the Christina value that i believe in, but that must not be
theo nly standard for others.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1930 JAN 26 PM 10: 42
January 26, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON and
FROM:
CURT SMITH
SUBJECT:
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS' SPEECH
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m., you will addresss the
National Religious Broadcasters' 47th annual convention at the
Sheraton Hotel. About 2,000 people will attend. Among them will
be Pat Robertson, Director Robert Cook, and President Jerry Rose,
who will introduce you.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks (15 minutes, teleprompter) discuss the
importance of values to America, citing school prayer, abortion,
education, and child care as examples. The text also describes
the role of religious faith in moving Eastern Europe toward
freedom. One person who embodies this faith is Father Gheorghe
Calciu [CAL-chew], a Romanian Orthodox priest. He and his son,
Andre, will accompany you to the Sheraton.
(Smith/Blessey)
7:30 P.M.
January 26, 1990
CAST
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
President Rose, Director Cook, Dr. Robertson-- and I want to
salute your leadership of the NRB. Ladies and gentlemen. ((It
is often said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a
prayer." Today, I am pleased to be with an audience about whom
that will never be said.) ) //
This marks the fourth time I have had the honor of
addressing the annual convention of the National Religious
Broadcasters. And once again, it is a delight to be back.
In the spirit of the occasion, I want to make two VOWS.
First, I'll be brief. ((I know there's a mention in the Bible
compared to must around ne we,
about the Burning Bush, but I also know, I'm not that hot a
speaker. )) //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ( (Pat Robertson warned me that
the agnostics in this room are very bad.)) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. According
to the Gallup Poll, there is no denying that America is a
religious nation. // Seven in ten Americans believe in life
after death. Eight in ten in a final Judgment Day and that God
2
works,miracles. Nine in ten Americans pray. And 94 percent
believe in God. // To which I say: Thank God. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ((I'm
reminded of what the French statesman Talleyrand once said of
America: "I found there a country with thirty-two religions and
only one sauce. ) ) // Yet we know what unites us eclipses what
divides us. For we believe that political values without moral
values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. Values which reflect the eternal teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount. I speak of the qualities of freedom and
responsibility, generosity and faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic upheaval, these values
haven't changed. Nor have they been more crucial than in 1990.
They can help build a more decent America -- and help America
I trongly
build a more decent world. But only if while endorsing the
separation of church and state, we also endorse the union of
conscience but each and at government. us must // be guided not not by
on faith but one conserve
At home, this means I believe - that we must support
my conscitue teads me to support
that most basis value -- the sanctity of life. // We need
policies that encourage adoption, not abortion.
my conscrence leader me to support // other
policie
of keen
Conscience and government also distate that we must help
I believe we just help
intere
parents obtain the best child-care for their kids. // So we
to the
peop
have sent legislation to Congress to make good that goal. I want asso
ds
to ensure that parents, not bureaucrats, are the ones who decide
what about the conscience of offer
3
how to care for their children. And I will not see the option of
religious-based child care restricted or eliminated. //
Next comes an issue that concerns all children: the quality
and diversity of America's schools. // Our pioneering
legislation -- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will
spur excellence, demand accountability, and allow our kids to
learn. Remember Saul on the Road to Damascus We need a
conversion in American education.
I continue to support //
Finally, moral values support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
contruce to
school prayer. HH share that belief. So I endorse a
A
Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. We need the
Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. //
Now, you know me. I'm an optimistic guy. ( (After all, last
year I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running.
out of prayers and had almost given up hope. Then a miracle
occurred. // I caught a fish.) // So it won't surprise you
that I'm convinced we can -- and will -- uphold these values.
And as we do, we will help do God's work. Yet that work must not
be for America alone. //
What, after all, does religion cherish? The dignity of each
human being. // And what does such dignity require?
Inevitably, the triumph of individual freedom. // Well, the
past year has been a victory for the freedoms with which God has
blessed America. A true season of miracles. // We have seen
cannot pms- change equate numbrele religions
4
how moral values can move mountains or -- as in East Berlin --
even move a wall. //
It was Christ Himself, of course, who asked us to be a light
unto the world. // So let us carry that light to every corner
of the world -- freedom of expression. And to think, dream, and
worship as we please. The freedom of equal protection under the
law. And to choose our leaders and our destinies. Our
Administration has reaffirmed these freedoms for which patriots
have given of themselves and of their lives.
Think of Central America, where men and women of God --
facing great personal risk -- work for human rights and against
tok
tyranny of any ideology. // Think of South Africa and the
Philippines, where church leaders have been a force for
democratic change. // And, yes, of that miracle called Eastern
OK
Europe. Where for centuries religion has sustained those
striving for freedom even amid adversity. And where men and
or
women of faith braved persecution to renew the faith which makes
us free.
More than five centuries ago, the Hungarian patriot Janos
Hunyadi (YAHN-osh HOON-yah-dee) stopped a would-be invasion. In
his honor, the Pope ordered each Catholic church to ring a bell
at the time of day the battle ended. Since then, Catholic church
bells around the world ring precisely at mid-day. // And
Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, and other Protestant
churches and Judaism -- they, too, have renewed our faith. Few
5
will forget heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Raoul Wallenberg,
who stood against Nazi evil. All were servants of God. //
Recall, more recently, this last miraculous year. And one
of the Lord's great ambassadors of this or any time, the Reverend
Billy Graham. // Eight years ago, Reverend Graham went to
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And upon returning spoke of
a movement there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw
it before many others because it takes a man of God to sense the
early movement of the hand of God. // Yet not even Reverend
Graham could predict how in 1989, the walls of bayonets and
barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Alongside Eastern Europe's democratic revolution was a
religious reawakening -- testimony to the indomitable spirit
OK
sustained by faith.
Look, first, at the miracle of East Germany -- where in
1982 -- long before last November's mass demonstrations --
members of Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began a weekly "prayer
relign
for peace." At the services, students were taught non-violence.
And started the candle-light vigils that would one day rouse
continent. The police came and threatened them. But the
students would not be moved. They vowed to stay, and did.
Becoming a light unto the world.
or
was was shaply a thank it gurt Free
As with the disciples, that light spread to Dresden and East
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would
(political
rather see 1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one
drop of blood." 11 And there was no violence -- just as Christ
concern
6
taught us. // Only the stirring sight last October of 70,000
workers -- brave, defiant -- in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. Their march rivaled "a
blizzard of fireflies in the night. " Ask anyone that evening.
God was moving in miraculous -- not merely mysterious -- ways.
Look, next, at Bulgaria. Where last month the State Press
or
Agency conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each
other maybe for the first time without fear they would be accused
of being 'religious. 111 // And Czechoslovakia. There, too, a
miracle. For years, police chased carolers from Prague's King's
Road. This Christmas, young voices echoed through the cold night
on Charles Bridge. Their carols warmed the heart of the city.
There was wonder in the air. // And in Romania: Still further
miracles. Christmas songs on the radio for the first time since
1946. And heroes who showed that you can't lock people behind
walls forever -- when they have religious faith locked in their
hearts. //
OA
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example -- and God's miracle --
illumined Christ's special mission to mankind.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo [LAZ-low] Tokes
[TO-kesh], who dared to speak of freedom. So last November in
Timisoara [Timmy-SHORE-ah], masked thugs broke into the small
apartment of Tokes and his pregnant wife. They beat and stabbed
him. The government allowed them no food. // Even parishioners
were not allowed to bring bread; finally the police arrived to
7
deport the pastor. But the flock protected him -- forming a
human chain around his apartment. In time, the chain grew across
the land. Until -- as we celebrated Christmas -- Romania's
morning star of freedom summoned "lightness against the dark."
//
YV from n
Today, Laszlo Tokes preaches his faith without fear --
we
ministering to ever-larger numbers -- truly, an ambassador of the
Lord. // As is Gheorghe [George] Calciu [CAL-chew] -- a
Romanian Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't destroy
an idea or the human will. //
Father Calciu [CAL-chew] has spent 21 of his 64 years in
jail. In fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing
the government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Father Calciu had faith. He
refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. He stood in the
corner of the prison yard, praying for his wife and son, --
awaiting death. // It was then the miracle occurred. //
His two executioners called to him. Surely, he thought,
this was the end. But instead they said, "Father" -- that was
the first time they called him that -- "we have decided not to
kill you. // Three weeks later, he asked permission to
celebrate the Divine Liturgy. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. //
8
Father Calciu is with us today. Father, it's an honor to
salute you. // I know you're glad to be here. But I know, too,
you hope to return to your native land. And in this season of
miracles, who can doubt you will? // For today, the times are
on the side of peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the
side of God. //
If you doubt it, think of this past holy season of miracles.
And of miracles we pray are yet to come. 11 Miracles that will
occur in Eastern Europe, in America, and around the globe
Wherever one finds the truth that comes OD one's knees.
For my own part, I know that this is true. For although I've
been President for barely a year, I believe -- with all my heart
-- that one cannot be America's President without a belief in God
and in prayer. Intea believe in miracies.
Thank you for your work that spreads the Word -- and thank
you for your kindness. God bless America. And' let me leave you
with the words of a favorite hymn, "God Be With You Till We Meet
Again."
# # # #
Document No. 107760
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/25/90
11:00 AM Friday 01/26
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SUBJECT:
(01/25 7:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
R
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
У
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 01/26, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
do
NC.
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
7:30 P.M.
January 26, 1990
CAST
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
President Rose, Director Cook -- and I want to salute your
leadership of the NRB. Dr. Robertson. Ladies and gentlemen.
((It is often said of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a
prayer." Today, I am pleased to be with an audience about whom
that will never be said.) ) //
This marks the fourth time I have had the honor of
addressing the annual convention of the National Religious
Broadcasters. And once again, it is a delight to be back.
In the spirit of the occasion, I want to make two vows.
First, I'll be brief. ((I know there's a mention in the Bible
about the Burning Bush, but I also know I'm not that hot a
speaker. )) //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ( (Pat Robertson warned me that
the agnostics in this room are very bad. )) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. According
thereis no denymg that america is a
to the Gallup Poll, no society is more religious than the United
Migious mation.
States of America. // Seven in ten Americans believe in life
after death. Eight in ten in a final Judgment Day and that God
2
works miracles. Nine in ten Americans pray. And 94 per cent
believe in God. // To which I say: Thank God. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ((I'm
reminded of what the French statesman Talleyrand once said of
America: "I found there a country with thirty-two religions and
only one sauce. ")) // Yet we know what unites us eclipses what
divides us. For we believe that political values without moral
values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. Values which reflect the eternal teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount. I speak of the qualities of freedom and
responsibility, generosity and faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic upheaval change, these values
haven't changed. Nor have they been more crucial than in 1990.
They can help build a more decent America -- and help America
build a more decent world. But only if while endorsing the
separation of church and state, we also endorse the union of
conscience and government. //
At home, this means -- I believe -- that we must support
that most basic value -- the sanctity of life. // We need
policies that encourage adoption, not abortion. //
Conscience and government also dictate that we must help
parents obtain the best child-care for their kids. // So we
have sent legislation to Congress to make good that goal. I want
to ensure that parents, not bureaucrats, are the ones who decide
3
how to care for their children. And I will not see the option of
religious-based child care restricted or eliminated. //
Next comes an issue that concerns all children: the quality
and diversity of America's schools. // Our pioneering
legislation -- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will
spur excellence, demand accountability, and allow our kids to
learn. Remember Saul on the Road to Damascus. We need a
conversion in American education. //
Finally, moral values support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
school prayer. I share that belief. So I endorse a
Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. We need the
Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. //
Now, you know me. I'm an optimistic guy. ((After all, last
year I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running
almost
out of prayers and had given up hope. Then a miracle occurred.
// I caught a fish. )) // So it won't surprise you that I'm
convinced we can -- and will -- uphold these values. And as we
do, we will help do God's work. Yet that work must not be for
America alone. //
What, after all, does religion cherish? The dignity of each
human being. // And what does such dignity require?
freedom
Inevitably, the triumph of the individual. // Well, the past
year has been a victory for the freedoms with which God has
blessed America. A true season of miracles. // We have seen
4
how moral values can move mountains or -- as in East Berlin --
even move a wall. //
It was Christ Himself, of course, who asked us to be a light
unto the world. // So let us carry that light to every corner
of the world -- freedom of expression. And to think, dream, and
worship as we please. The freedom of equal protection under the
law. And to choose our leaders and our destinies. Our
Administration has reaffirmed these freedoms
the freedoms for
which patriots have given of themselves and of their lives.
Think of Central America, where men and women of God --
facing great personal risk -- work for human rights and against
tyranny of any ideology. // Think of South Africa and the
Philippines, where church leaders have been a force for
democratic change. // And, yes, of that miracle called Eastern
Europe. Where for centuries religion has sustained those
even
striving for freedom amid adversity. And where men and women of
faith braved persecution to renew the faith which makes us free.
More than five centuries ago, the Hungarian patriot
Janos Hunyadi (YAHN-osh HOON-yah-dee) stopped a would-be
invasion. In his honor, the Pope ordered each Catholic church to
ring a bell at the time of day the battle ended. Since then,
Catholic church bells around the world ring precisely at mid-day.
// And Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, and other
Protestant churches and Judaism -- they, too, have renewed our
faith. Few will forget heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Raoul
5
servants
Wallenberg, who stood against Nazi evil.
All were ambassadors of
God
//
Recall, more recently, this last miraculous year. And one
of the Lord's great ambassadors of this or any time, the Reverend
Billy Graham. // Eight years ago, Reverend Graham went to
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And upon returning spoke of
a movement there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw
it before many others because it takes a man of God to sense the
early movement of the hand of God. // Yet not even Reverend
Graham could predict how in 1989, the walls of bayonets and
barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Alongside Eastern Europesdemocratic revolution was a
religious awakening -- testimony to the indomitable spirit
sustained by faith.
Look, first, at the miracle of East Germany -- where in
1982 -- long before last November's mass demonstrations --
members of Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began a weekly "prayer
for peace." At the services, students were taught non-violence.
And started the candle-light vigils that would one day rouse a
continent. The police came and threatened them. But the
students would not be moved. They vowed to stay, and did.
Becoming a light unto the world.
As with the disciples, that light spread to Dresden and East
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would
rather see 1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one
drop of blood." // And there was no violence -- just as Christ
?
stephiB
6
taught us. // Only the stirring sight last October of 70,000
workers -- brave, defiant -- in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. Their march rivaled "a
blizzard of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone that evening.
God was moving in miraculous -- not merely mysterious -- ways.
Look, next, at Bulgaria. Where last month the State Press
Agency conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each
other maybe for the first time without fear they would be accused
of being 'religious.' // And Czechoslovakia. There, too, a
miracle. For years, police chased carolers from Prague's King's
young echoed through
Road. This Christmas, the cold night of Charles Bridge. echoed
with young voices. Their carols warmed the heart of the city.
There was wonder in the air. // And in Romania: Still further
miracles. Christmas songs on the radio for the first time since
1946. And heroes who showed that you can't lock people behind
walls forever -- when they have religious faith locked in their
hearts. //
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example -- and God's miracle --
illumined Christ's special mission to mankind.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo [LAZ-low] Tokes
[TO-kesh], who dared to speak of freedom. So last November in
Timisoara [Timmy-SHORE_ah], masked thugs broke into the small
apartment of Tokes and his pregnant wife. They beat and stabbed
him. The government allowed them no food. // When parishioners
brought bread, police arrived to deport the pastor. But the
7
flock protected him -- forming a human chain around his
apartment. In time, the chain grew across the land. Until -- as
we celebrated Christmas -- Romania's morning star of freedom
summoned "lightness against the dark." //
Today, Laszlo Tokes preaches his faith without fear --
ministering to ever-larger numbers -- truly, an ambassador of the
Lord. // As is Gheorghe [George] Calciu [CAL-chew] -- a
destroy
Romanian Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't slay an
idea nor destroy the human will. //
[CAL -Chew7
Father Calciu n has spent 21 of his 64 years in jail. In
fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing the
government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Father Calciu had faith. He
As stood in the
refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. Só he went to a
ing
corner of the prison yard, and began to pray for his wife and for
awaiting deach
his son, // It was then that the miracle occurred. //
to
His two executioners called, him. over. Surely, he thought,
this was the end. But instead they said, "Father" -- that was
the first time they called him that -- "we have decided not to
kill you. " // Three weeks later, he asked permission to
celebrate the Divine Liturgy. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. //
THE WHITE HOUSE
del
WASHINGTON
January 26, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
FREDERICK D. NELSON F.D.N.
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Religious Broadcasters
Counsel's Office offers some comments on the draft Presidential
remarks to religious broadcasters.
Page 2, third full paragraph -- we advise staying away from the
phrase "separation of church and state, which conjures up the
wall of separation" metaphor but does not state the
constitutional standard. It would seem better to say something
like: "The constitutional protections of religious liberty --
leaders Rm Russ 450
ensuring all individuals the right to free exercise of religion
while guarding against government establishment of religion --
can be accomplished without divorcing conscience from
government. " Another reference somewhere in the speech to the
President's commitment to upholding constitutional protections of
religious liberty might be helpful in demonstrating that he is
not insensitive to establishment clause concerns.
Page 3, second full paragraph -- The sentence "We need the Faith
Express Leveleis 450
of our Fathers back in our schools" conceivably might be
misconstrued as promotion of public school endorsement of a few
select faiths shared by some of the country's founding fathers.
Perhaps the sentence could be reviewed to ensure that the
President does seem to be specifying what types of voluntary
prayers should be restored in the schools.
Rm
Pages 4-5, carryover paragraph -- The phrase "apostle of God,"
used in the draft sentences "The Catholic Church has been an
apostle of God" and "Diebrich Bonhoeffer and Raoul
Wallenberg
were apostles of God," has the ring of a
particular formal religious judgement; it could be construed by
some as meaning the President has determined that certain
specified groups and individuals, as opposed to others, have been
formally invested with divine authority. Our sense is that
people of fferent religions could understand the "apostle of
God" phrase in quite different ways, with some perhaps taking
offense. It might be better to speak more generically of
particular churches in Eastern Europe, Bonhoeffer, and
Wallenberg as doing God's work in promoting freedom.
It seems to us as a matter of prudence more than law that such a
speech probably should seek generally to avoid coming down on one
side or another of a particular religious debate. We merely
observe in that context that the sentence in the first full
paragraph on page 2 saying that particular views on how to gain
entrance to heaven "aren't mutually exclusive" express a
judgement with which some in the President's audience might
disagree. (We wonder, too, whether adding "horse shoes and
country music" as an alternative criterion to "good works" or
"faith" might be heard by some as denigrating the other beliefs
reference there.) We are also a bit confused by the reference in
the last full sentence of page 5 and wonder whether a particular
teaching was meant. Finally, in the second to last paragraph on
page 8, relating to the struggles in Eastern Europe, we would
suggest changing the phrase "past Christmas of miracles" to "past
holy season of miracles."
CC: James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President and
-
Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Document No. 107760
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/25/90
11:00 AM Friday 01/26
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SUBJECT:
(01/25 7:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
P
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
R
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 01/26, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Blessey)
7:00 P.M.
1990 JAN 25 PM 8: 40
January 25, 1990
CAST
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
President Rose, Director Cook -- and I want to salute your
leadership of the NRB. Ladies and gentlemen. ((It is often said
of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Today, I
am pleased to be with an audience about whom that will never be
said.) ) //
((Two years ago, I had the honor of addressing this annual
convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. And now, I'm
back again. Even though I know this isn't what you had in mind
when you talk about the Second Coming.) ) //
still, I'm delighted to be with you. And in the spirit of
the occasion, I intend to keep two vows. First, I'll be brief.
( (I know there's a mention in the Bible about the Burning Bush,
but I also know I'm not that hot a speaker. " //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ((Jerry Rose warned me that the
agnostics in this room are very bad.) ) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. According
to the Gallup Poll, no society is more religious than the United
States of America. // Seven in ten Americans believe in life
after death. Eight in ten in a final Judgment Day and that God
2
works miracles. Nine in ten Americans pray. And 94 per cent
believe in God. // To which I say: Thank God. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ( (Some, for
instance, claim the stairway to heaven is climbed through good
works. // Some, that faith ensures that when the roll is called
up yonder, I'll be there. 11 Others think the Pearly Gates
welcome only those who like horse shoes and country music. //
These beliefs aren't mutually exclusive.) // Yet we know what
unites us eclipses what divides us. // For we believe that
political values without moral values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. Values which reflect the eternal teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount. I speak of the qualities of freedom and
responsibility, generosity and faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic change, these values
haven't changed. Nor have they been more crucial than in 1990.
They can help build a more decent America -- and help America
build a more ennobling world. But only if while endorsing the
separation of church and state, we also endorse the union of
conscience and government. 11
At home, this means -- I believe -- that we must support
that most basic value -- sanctity of life. // We need policies
that encourage adoption, not abortion. //
Conscience and government also dictate that we must help
parents obtain the best child-care for their kids. // So we
3
have sent legislation to Congress to make good this pledge: I
want to protect the right of every parent to send their kids to
the care center of their choice. That includes -- especially --
church-sponsored centers. //
Next comes an issue that concerns all children: the quality
and diversity of America's schools. 11 Our pioneering
legislation -- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will
spur excellence, demand accountability, and allow our kids to
learn. Remember Saul on the Damascus Road. We need a conversion
in American education. 11
Finally, moral values support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
school prayer. I share that belief. So I endorse a
Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. We need the
Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. //
Now, you know me. I'm an optimistic guy. ((After all, last
year I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running
out of prayers and had given up hope. Then a miracle occurred.
// I caught a fish.)) // So it won't surprise you that I'm
convinced we can -- and will -- uphold these values. And as we
do, we will help do God's work. Yet that work must not be for
America alone. //
What, after all, does religion cherish? The dignity of each
human being. // And what does such dignity require?
Inevitably, the triumph of democracy. // Well, the past year
has been a victory for the freedoms with which God has blessed
4
America. A true season of miracles. // We have seen how moral
values can move mountains or -- as in East Berlin -- even move a
wall. //
It was Christ Himself, of course, who said, "Be a light unto
the world." // So let us carry that light to every corner of the
world -- freedom of expression. And to think, dream, and worship
as we please. The freedom of equal protection under the law.
And to choose our leaders and our destinies. Our Administration
has reaffirmed these freedoms. What's more, we have -- and we
will -- support those individuals, and movements, who proclaim:
Let my people go. //
Think of Central America, where men and women of God --
facing great personal risk -- condemn terrorism whatever the
ideology. Think, especially, of Panama -- and let me say to the
Vatican: Every American thanks you. // Think of South Africa
and the Phillipines, where church leaders are fighting against
oppression and tyranny. // And, yes, of that miracle called
Eastern Europe. Where for centuries religion has been a catalyst
for democracy. And where men and women of faith braved
persecution to renew the faith which makes us free. //
More than five centuries ago, the Hungarian patriot Janos
Hunyadi (YAHN-osh HOON-yah-dee) stopped a would-be Turkish
invasion. In his honor, the Pope ordered each church to ring a
bell at the time of day the battle ended. And since then,
Catholic church bells around the world ring precisely at mid-day.
// The Catholic Church has been an apostle of God. // And so
5
have the Protestant, Reformed, and Jewish churches of Eastern
Europe. Few will forget heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and
Raoul Wallenberg, who led the anti-Nazi resistance. They, too,
were apostles of God. //
Recall, more recently, this last miraculous year. And one
of the great soldiers of God of this or any time, the Reverend
Billy Graham. // Four years ago, Reverend Graham went to
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And upon returning foretold
a movement there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw
it before many others because it takes a man of God to sense the
early movement of the hand of God. // Yet not even Reverend
Graham could predict how in 1989, the walls of bayonets and
barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Look, first, at the miracle of East Germany -- where in 1982
-- long before last November's mass demonstrations -- members of
Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began weekly prayers for peace. At
Bible Study, students were taught non-violence. And started the
candle-light vigils that would one day rouse a continent. The
police came and threatened them. But the students would not be
moved. They vowed to stay, and did. Becoming, yes, a light unto
the world.
As with the disciples, that light spread to Dresden and
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would
rather see 1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one
drop of blood." // And there was no blood -- just as Christ
taught us. 11 Only the stirring sight last October of 70,000
6
workers -- brave, defiant -- in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. Their march rivaled "a
blizzard of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone that evening.
God was moving in miraculous -- not merely mysterious -- ways.
Look, next, at Bulgaria. Where last month the State press
agency conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each
other without fear they would be accused of being 'religious. "
// And Csechoslovakia. There, too, a miracle. For years,
police chased carolers from Prague's King's Road. This
Christmas, the cold night of Charles Bridge echoed with young
voices. Their carols warmed the heart of the city. There was
wonder in the air. // And in Romania: Still further miracles.
Christmas songs on the radio for the first time since 1946. And
heroes who showed that you can't lock people behind walls forever
-- when they have religious faith locked in their hearts. //
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example -- and miracle -- illumined
Christ's special mission to mankind.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo Tokes, who dared
to speak of freedom. So last November, masked thugs broke into
the small apartment in Timisoara of Tokes and his pregnant wife.
They beat and stabbed him. The government allowed them no food.
// When parishioners brought bread, police arrived to deport the
pastor. But the flock protected him -- forming a human chain
around his apartment. In time, the chain grew across the land.
7
Until -- as the world celebrated Christmas -- Romania's morning
star of freedom summoned "lightness against the dark." //
Today, Laszlo Tokes preaches his faith without fear --
ministering to ever-larger numbers -- truly, an apostle of the
Lord. // As is that second man I spoke about -- a man who's
with us here. His name is Gheorghe Caiciu [CUL-chew] -- a
Romanian Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't slay an
idea -- nor destroy the human will. //
Reverend Calciu has spent 21 of his 61 years in jail. In
fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing the
government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Reverend Calciu had faith.
He refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. So he went to
a corner of the prison yard, and began to pray for his wife and
for his son. // It was then that the miracle occurred. //
His two executioners called him over. Surely, thought
Reverend Calciu, this was the end. But instead they said,
"Father" -- that was the first time they called him that -- "we
have decided not to kill you. // A few days later, he asked
permission to celebrate the Mass. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. //
In 1985, Father Calciu was exiled to America. But he hopes
to return to his native land. And in this season of miracles,
8
who can doubt he will? // For today, the times are on the side
of peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the side of
God. 11
If you doubt it, think of this past Christmas of miracles.
And of miracles yet to come. // Miracles that will occur in
Eastern Europe, in America, and around the globe. Wherever one
finds the truth that comes on one's knees.
Thank you for this wonderful occasion. God bless America.
And let me leave you with a favorite hymn, "God Be With You Till
We Meet Again."
#
#
#
#
Document No. 107760
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/25/90
11:00 AM Friday 01/26
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SUBJECT:
(01/25 7:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
9
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES N/C
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
R
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 01/26, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
/
(Smith/Blessey)
7:00 P.M.
1990 JAN 25 PM 8: 40
January 25, 1990
CAST
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
President Rose, Director Cook -- and I want to salute your
leadership of the NRB. Ladies and gentlemen. (It is often said
of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Today, I
am pleased to be with an audience about whom that will never be
said. " //
( (Two years ago, I had the honor of addressing this annual
convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. And now, I'm
back again. Even though I know this isn't what you had in mind
when you talk about the Second Coming.)) 11
still, I'm delighted to be with you. And in the spirit of
the occasion, I intend to keep two vows. First, I'll be brief.
((I know there's a mention in the Bible about the Burning Bush,
but I also know I'm not that hot a speaker.) ) //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ((Jerry Rose warned me that the
agnostics in this room are very bad.) ) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. According
to the Gallup Poll, no society is more religious than the United
States of America. // Seven in ten Americans believe in life
after death. Eight in ten in a final Judgment Day and that God
2
works miracles. Nine in ten Americans pray. And 94 per cent
believe in God. // To which I say: Thank God. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ( (Some, for
instance, claim the stairway to heaven is climbed through good
works. // Some, that faith ensures that when the roll is called
up yonder, I'll be there. // Others think the Pearly Gates
welcome only those who like horse shoes and country music. //
These beliefs aren't mutually exclusive.) // Yet we know what
unites us eclipses what divides us. // For we believe that
political values without moral values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. Values which reflect the eternal teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount. I speak of the qualities of freedom and
responsibility, generosity and faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic change, these values
haven't changed. Nor have they been more crucial than in 1990.
They can help build a more decent America -- and help America
build a more ennobling world. But only if while endorsing the
separation of church and state, we also endorse the union of
conscience and government. //
At home, this means -- I believe -- that we must support
that most basic value -- sanctity of life. // We need policies
that encourage adoption, not abortion. //
Conscience and government also dictate that we must help
parents obtain the best child-care for their kids. // So we
3
have sent legislation to Congress to make good this pledge: I
want to protect the right of every parent to send their kids to
the care center of their choice. That includes -- especially --
church-sponsored centers. //
Next comes an issue that concerns all children: the quality
and diversity of America's schools. 11 Our pioneering
legislation -- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will
spur excellence, demand accountability, and allow our kids to
learn. Remember Saul on the Damascus Road. We need a conversion
in American education. //
Finally, moral values support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
school prayer. I share that belief. So I endorse a
Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. We need the
Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. //
Now, you know me. I'm an optimistic guy. ((After all, last
year I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running
out of prayers and had given up hope. Then a miracle occurred.
// I caught a fish.)) // So it won't surprise you that I'm
convinced we can -- and will -- uphold these values. And as we
do, we will help do God's work. Yet that work must not be for
America alone. //
What, after all, does religion cherish? The dignity of each
human being. // And what does such dignity require?
Inevitably, the triumph of democracy. // Well, the past year
has been a victory for the freedoms with which God has blessed
4
America. A true season of miracles. // We have seen how moral
values can move mountains or -- as in East Berlin -- even move a
wall. 11
It was Christ Himself, of course, who said, "Be a light unto
the world.' // So let us carry that light to every corner of the
world -- freedom of expression. And to think, dream, and worship
as we please. The freedom of equal protection under the law.
And to choose our leaders and our destinies. Our Administration
has reaffirmed these freedoms. What's more, we have -- and we
will -- support those individuals, and movements, who proclaim:
Let my people go. //
Think of Central America, where men and women of God --
facing great personal risk -- condemn terrorism whatever the
ideology. Think, especially, of Panama -- and let me say to the
Vatican: Every American thanks you. // Think of South Africa
and the Phillipines, where church leaders are fighting against
oppression and tyranny. // And, yes, of that miracle called
Eastern Europe. Where for centuries religion has been a catalyst
for democracy. And where men and women of faith braved
persecution to renew the faith which makes us free. //
More than five centuries ago, the Hungarian patriot Janos
Hunyadi (YAHN-osh HOON-yah-dee) stopped a would-be Turkish
invasion. In his honor, the Pope ordered each church to ring a
bell at the time of day the battle ended. And since then,
Catholic church bells around the world ring precisely at mid-day.
// The Catholic Church has been an apostle of God. // And so
5
have the Protestant, Reformed, and Jewish churches of Eastern
Europe. Few will forget heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and
Raoul Wallenberg, who led the anti-Nazi resistance. They, too,
were apostles of God. //
Recall, more recently, this last miraculous year. And one
of the great soldiers of God of this or any time, the Reverend
Billy Graham. // Four years ago, Reverend Graham went to
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And upon returning foretold
a movement there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw
it before many others because it takes a man of God to sense the
early movement of the hand of God. // Yet not even Reverend
Graham could predict how in 1989, the walls of bayonets and
barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Look, first, at the miracle of East Germany -- where in 1982
-- long before last November's mass demonstrations -- members of
Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began weekly prayers for peace. At
Bible Study, students were taught non-violence. And started the
candle-light vigils that would one day rouse a continent. The
police came and threatened them. But the students would not be
moved. They vowed to stay, and did. Becoming, yes, a light unto
the world.
As with the disciples, that light spread to Dresden and
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would
rather see 1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one
drop of blood." // And there was no blood -- just as Christ
taught us. // Only the stirring sight last October of 70,000
6
workers -- brave, defiant -- in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. Their march rivaled "a
blizzard of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone that evening.
God was moving in miraculous -- not merely mysterious -- ways.
Look, next, at Bulgaria. Where last month the State press
agency conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each
other without fear they would be accused of being 'religious.'
// And Czechoslovakia. There, too, a miracle. For years,
police chased carolers from Prague's King's Road. This
Christmas, the cold night of Charles Bridge echoed with young
voices. Their carols warmed the heart of the city. There was
wonder in the air. // And in Romania: Still further miracles.
Christmas songs on the radio for the first time since 1946. And
heroes who showed that you can't lock people behind walls forever
-- when they have religious faith locked in their hearts. 11
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example -- and miracle -- illumined
Christ's special mission to mankind.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo Tokes, who dared
to speak of freedom. So last November, masked thugs broke into
the small apartment in Timisoara of Tokes and his pregnant wife.
They beat and stabbed him. The government allowed them no food.
// When parishioners brought bread, police arrived to deport the
pastor. But the flock protected him -- forming a human chain
around his apartment. In time, the chain grew across the land.
7
Until -- as the world celebrated Christmas -- Romania's morning
star of freedom summoned "lightness against the dark." //
Today, Laszlo Tokes preaches his faith without fear --
ministering to ever-larger numbers -- truly, an apostle of the
Lord. // As is that second man I spoke about -- a man who's
with us here. His name is Gheorghe Calciu [CUL-chew] -- a
Romanian Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't slay an
idea -- nor destroy the human will. //
Reverend Calciu has spent 21 of his 61 years in jail. In
fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing the
government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Reverend Calciu had faith.
He refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. So he went to
a corner of the prison yard, and began to pray for his wife and
for his son. // It was then that the miracle occurred. //
His two executioners called him over. Surely, thought
Reverend Calciu, this was the end. But instead they said,
"Father" -- that was the first time they called him that -- "we
have decided not to kill you. // A few days later, he asked
permission to celebrate the Mass. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. //
In 1985, Father Calciu was exiled to America. But he hopes
to return to his native land. And in this season of miracles,
8
who can doubt he will? 11 For today, the times are on the side
of peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the side of
God. //
If you doubt it, think of this past Christmas of miracles.
And of miracles yet to come. // Miracles that will occur in
Eastern Europe, in America, and around the globe. Wherever one
finds the truth that comes on one's knees.
Thank you for this wonderful occasion. God bless America.
And let me leave you with a favorite hymn, "God Be With You Till
We Meet Again. "
# # # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 29, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS' CONVENTION
The Sheraton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
2:13 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you
President Rose. Thank you very much. Thank you for that warm
welcome and President Rose, Director Cook, new Director Gustavson,
friend Pat Robertson, Dr. Robertson. My greetings to you all, and I
certainly want to salute your leadership -- all the leadership of the
NRB. And ladies and gentlemen. It's often said of a group or
individual that he hasn't got a prayer. Well, I'm pleased to be with
an audience about whom that will never be said. (Laughter and
applause.)
This marks the fourth time that I've had the honor of
addressing the annual convention of the National Religious
Broadcasters. And once again, it is a delight to be back and I know
I speak for Barbara in that regard as well.
In the spirit of the occasion, I want to make two VOWS.
First, I'll be brief. And I know there's a mention in the Bible
about the burning bush. (Laughter.) But I also know -- and I say
this not with humility, but with objectivity -- compared to most
around me here, I'm not that hot a speaker. (Laughter.) So I won't
burden you.
But the second promise is for those of you way off in the
back of the room, I'll try to speak up. Pat Robertson warned me that
the agnostics in this room are very bad. (Laughter.)
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. There
is no denying that America is a religious nation. And sure,
differences exist over sect and theology. I'm reminded of what that
French stateman Talleyrand once said of America, "I found there a
country with 32 religions and only one sauce." (Laughter.) Well,
yet we know -- you know these Frenchmen. (Laughter.) And yet, you
know that what unites us, eclipses what divides us. For we believe
that political values without moral values -- a moral underpinning --
cannot sustain a people. (Applause.)
And this afternoon I'd like to talk to you about those
moral values. I speak of the qualities of tolerance and decency,
courage and responsibility and, of course, faith. Values which
remind us that while God can live without man, man cannot live
without God. (Applause.) And today, amid political and economic
upheaval, these values have not changed, nor will they be more
crucial than in the 1990s.
I hope you know by now -- you know me -- I am an
optimist, and after all, last year I had the experience that renewed
my faith. I was running out of prayers. I had almost given up.
Then a miracle occurred -- I caught a fish. (Laughter.) So, it
*
won't surprise you that I'm convinced we can and will uphold the
values that I'm referring to. For as Americans we always have.
Consider that for more than two centuries America has endorsed --
properly so -- the separation of church and state, but it has also
shown how religion and government can coexist.
MORE
- 2 -
And that, to paraphrase our founding document, "All men
are endowed not by government but by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights. And these rights include the freedom of
expression and to think, dream and worship as we please. Equal
protection under the law and the right to choose our leaders and our
destinies. The inherent dignity of the individual. And we must
manifest that dignity by the policies that we pursue.
For example, I believe that we should help parents obtain
the best child care for their kids, and so we have sent legislation
to Congress to make good that goal. But I want to ensure that
parents, not bureaucrats, are the ones who decide how to care for
these children. (Applause.) I will not see the option of
religious-based child care restricted or eliminated. I will fight
that every inch of the way. (Applause.)
And next there is the concern of every child, the quality
and the diversity of America's schools. Our pioneering legislation,
the Education Excellence Act of 1989, will spur excellence and demand
accountability. For our kids sake, let's help American education
make the grade.
We come next to an issue on which many Americans
disagree, but for my part let me be very clear; I support the
sanctity of life. (Applause.) We need policies that encourage
adoption, not abortion (Applause.) And that comes right from the
heart.
Finally, I continue to support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans -- the right to voluntary school
prayer. (Applause.) And so I continue to support a constitutional
amendment restoring voluntary prayer. You see we need the faith of
our Fathers back in our schools. (Applause.)
So, as we struggle to find answers to our pressing social
problems, I will endorse policies that reflect the rights of the
individual a concept as old as the scriptures. Rights which form the
essence of America and that to other nations have become the message
of America, for our freedoms have been carried to every corner of the
Earth.
One year ago in my inaugural address I said, "the day of
the dictator is over." And indeed, the last year has been a victory
for the freedoms with which God has blessed the United States of
America. We've seen the rights of man move mountains or, as in East
Berlin, even move a wall. (Applause.) And think of Central America
where men and women facing great personal risk work for human rights
and against tyranny of any ideology.
And let me add, I am especially proud of our troops in
Panama. (Applause.) Americans supported Operation Just Cause for a
lot of reasons, but because democracy is a noble cause. And to the
young soldiers who serve this country, every American thanks you.
(Applause.)
Think next of South Africa and the Philippines where the
values of church leaders have been a force for democratic change.
And yes, in Eastern Europe too, where for centuries, faith has
sustained those striving for freedom amid adversity.
You know, eight years ago, one of the Lord's great
ambassadors, the Reverend Billy Graham, went to Eastern Europe and
the Soviet Union, and upon returning, spoke of a movement there
toward more religious freedom. And perhaps he saw it before many of
us, because it takes a man of God to sense the early movement of the
hand of God. And yet, who could predict that in 1989 freedom's tide
would also be economic, political and intellectual? Or that the
walls of bayonets and barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would
come tumbling down?
Look, first, at East Germany, where in 1982, long before
last November's mass demonstration, members of Leipzig St. Nicholas
MORE
- 3 -
Church 1982 -- members of that church began a weekly prayer for
peace. In the services, students were taught nonviolence, and
started the candlelight vigils that one day would rouse a continent.
And the police came and threatened them. But the students vowed to
stay, and did, becoming a light under the world.
And ultimately, that light spread to Dresden and East
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would rather
see a thousand drops of candle wax on the marketplace than one drop
of blood." And there was no blood. Only the stirring sight last
October of 70,000 workers in the streets and squares of Leipzig. And
weapons? They carried candles. And their light was likened to a
blizzard of fireflies in the night. Ask anyone that evening. They
sought what we Americans enjoy; free markets, free elections and the
exercise of free will unhampered by the state.
And they were propelled by many things; faith, not the
least of them. And as they and others marched across Eastern Europe,
the day of the dictator did end, and the day of democracy began.
Look at Bulgaria, where last month the state press agency
conceded. People were wishing Merry Christmas to each other maybe
for the first time without fear they would be accused of being
religious.
And Czechoslovakia. There too, a victory for the rights
of man. For years police chased carolers from Praque's Kings Road.
And this Christmas, carols warmed the heart of the city and there was
wonder in the air.
In the Soviet Union last year, Moscow hosted the first
nationwide gatherings of Jews since the fall of the Czar.
And in Romania, still further victories. Christmas
songs on the radio for the first time since 1946. And heroes who
showed that you can't lock people behind walls forever, when moral
conviction uplifts their hearts.
And let me close, then, with a story of two such heroes,
both Romanian. And how their example illumined decency, courage and
love. The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo Tokes, who dared to
speak of freedom. So last November in Timisoara, masked thugs broke
into the small apartment of Tokes and his pregnant wife. And they
beat him. And they stabbed him. And the government allowed them no
food and even parishioners were not permitted to bring bread. And
finally, the police arrived to deport the pastor, but the flock
protected him, forming a human chain around his apartment. And in
time, the chain grew across the land until, as we celebrated
Christmas, Romania's quest for freedom summoned lightness against the
dark. Today, Laszlo Tokes ministers to ever larger numbers preaching
his faith, but now preaching it without any fear at all.
As does another, Gheorghe Calciu, a Romanian Orthodox
minister. His story proves you can't kill an idea. or you can't
destroy the human will. Father Calciu has spent 21 of his 64 years
in jail -- 21 of his 64 years -- a third of his entire life in
prison.
And in fact, he found God there while in prison for
opposing the government. Released, he risked his freedom by
preaching a series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned
again, tortured beyond belief.
Yet Father Calciu had faith. He refused to break and was
sentenced to death. And as he stood in the corner of the prison yard
praying for his wife and son, awaiting death, it was then something
remarkable occurred. His two executioners called to him and surely,
he thought, this was the end. But instead they said, "Father," --
that was the first time they had called him that -- "we have decided
not to kill you." And three weeks later he asked permission to
celebrate the divine liturgy, and while making preparations heard
these same two men approach. And he turned around and was astonished
MORE
- 4 -
-- his would-be executioners were on their knees on the cold concrete
of the cell.
Father Calciu is with us today. Father, it is an honor
to salute you, and I know you're glad to be here -- (applause) -- and
I'm sure you're glad to be here -- but I know, too, you hope to
return to your native land. And in the season of miracles, who can
doubt you will? For today, the times are on the side of peace
because the world increasingly is on the side of God.
For my own part, I know this is true. For although I've
been President for barely a year, I believe with all my heart that
one cannot be America's President without a belief in God, without
the strength that your faith gives to you. (Applause.) Another
President, Dwight Eisenhower beloved Ike -- once said, "Free
government is the political expression of a deeply-felt religious
faith." Let each of us use his faith to express the noblest values
of America so that together we can then serve the inalienable rights
of man.
Thank you for your work, for your kindness to Barbara and
me, and God bless you. And God bless our beloved land, the United
States of America. Thank you very, very much. (Applause.)
END
2:32 P.M. EST
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
UNTIL 2:15 P.M. EST
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
TEXT OF REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
Sheraton Ballroom
Sheraton Washington Hotel
Washington, DC
January 29, 1990
This marks the fourth time I have had the honor of addressing the
annual convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. And
once again, it is a delight to be back.
Let me begin with some good news for modern man: There is no
denying that America is a religious nation.
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. Yet, we know
what unites us, eclipses what divides us. For we believe that
political values without moral values cannot sustain a people.
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral values.
I speak of the qualities of tolerance and decency, courage and
responsibility, and of course, faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic upheaval, these values haven't
changed. Nor will they be more crucial than in the 1990s.
Now, you know me. I'm an optimist. So it won't surprise you
that I'm convinced we can -- and will -- uphold the values I'm
referring to. For as Americans, we always have.
Consider that for more than two centuries, America has endorsed
the separation of church and state. But it has also shown how
religion and government can co-exist. And that all men are
endowed not by government but by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights.
These rights include the freedom of expression -- and to think,
dream, and worship as we please. Equal protection under the law.
And the right to choose our leaders and our destinies. The
inherent dignity of the individual. And we must manifest that
dignity by the policies we pursue.
For example, I believe that we should help parents obtain the
best child care for their kids. So we have sent legislation to
Congress to make good that goal. I want to ensure that parents,
not bureaucrats, are the ones who decide how to care for their
children. And I will not see the option of religious-based child
care restricted or eliminated.
Next, there's the concern of every child: The quality and
diversity of America's schools. Our pioneering legislation --
the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will spur excellence
and demand accountability. For our kids's sake, let's help
American education make the grade.
- more -
- 2 -
We come next to an issue on which many Americans disagree. For
my part, let me be clear. I support the sanctity of life. We
need policies that encourage adoption, not abortion.
Finally, I continue to support a belief held by the overwhelming
majority of Americans: The right to voluntary school prayer. So
I support a Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer.
We need the faith of our Fathers back in our schools.
As we struggle to find answers to our pressing social problems, I
will endorse policies that reflect the rights of the individual
-- a concept as old as the Scriptures. Rights which form the
essence of America, and that to other nations have become the
message of America -- for our freedoms have been carried to every
corner of the earth.
One year ago in my Inaugural Address, I said, "The day of the
dictator is over." And indeed, the last year has been a victory
for the freedoms with which God has blessed America. We have
seen the rights of man move mountains or -- as in East Berlin --
even move a wall.
Think of Central America, where men and women -- facing great
personal risk -- work for human rights and against tyranny of any
ideology. And let me add: I am especially proud of our troops
in Panama. Americans supported "Operation Just Cause" because
democracy is a noble cause. And to the young soldiers who served
this country, every American thanks you. Think, next, of South
Africa and the Philippines, where the values of church leaders
have been a force for democratic change. And, yes, in Eastern
Europe, too -- where for centuries faith has sustained those
striving for freedom amid adversity.
You know, eight years ago one of the Lord's great ambassadors,
the Reverend Billy Graham, went to Eastern Europe and the Soviet
Union. And upon returning spoke of a movement there toward more
religious freedom. Perhaps he saw it before many others because
it takes a man of God to sense the early movement of the hand of
God. Yet who could predict that in 1989, freedom's tide would
also be economic, political, and intellectual? or that the walls
of bayonets and barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come
tumbling down?
Look, first, at East Germany -- where in 1982 -- long before last
November's mass demonstrations -- members of Leipzig's
St. Nicholas Church began a weekly "prayer for peace." At the
services students were taught non-violence and started the
candlelight vigils that would one day rouse a continent. The
police came and threatened them. But the students vowed to stay,
and did. Becoming a light unto the world.
Ultimately, that light spread to Dresden and East Berlin. And as
it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would rather see 1,000
drops of candle wax on the market place then one drop of blood."
And there was no blood. Only the stirring sight last October of
70,000 workers in the streets and squares of Leipzig. Weapons?
They carried candles. And their light was likened to "a blizzard
of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone that evening. They
sought what we Americans enjoy: Free markets, free elections,
and the exercise of free will unhampered by the state.
They were propelled by many things -- faith not the
them. And as they and others marched across
day of the dictator did end. The day of de
at Bulgaria. Where last month the State Pre
"People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to ea
the first time without fear they would be acc
'religious.'"
- more -
- 3 -
And Czechoslovakia -- there, too, a victory for the rights of
man. For years, police chased carolers from Prague's King's
Road. This Christmas, carols warmed the heart of the city.
There was wonder in the air.
In the Soviet Union, last year Moscow hosted the first nationwide
gathering of Jews since the fall of the Czar. And in Romania --
still further victories. Christmas songs on the radio for the
first time since 1946. And heroes who showed that you can't lock
people behind walls forever -- when moral conviction uplifts
their hearts.
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes -- both
Romanian -- and how their example illumined decency, courage, and
love.
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo Tokes, who dared to
speak of freedom. So last November in Timisoara, masked thugs
broke into the small apartment of Tokes and his pregnant wife.
They beat and stabbed him. The government allowed them no food.
Even parishioners were not permitted to bring bread; finally, the
police arrived to deport the pastor. But the flock protected him
-- forming a human chain around his apartment. In time, the
chain grew across the land. Until -- as we celebrated Christmas
-- Romania's quest for freedom summoned "lightness against the
dark."
Today, Laszlo Tokes ministers to ever-larger numbers -- preaching
his faith without fear. As does Gheorghe Calciu -- a Romanian
Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't kill an idea -- or
destroy the human will.
Father Calciu has spent 21 of his 64 years in jail. In fact, he
found God there while imprisoned for opposing the government.
Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a series of Lenten
sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again -- tortured beyond
belief. Yet Father Calciu had faith. He refused to break -- and
was sentenced to death. And as he stood in the corner of the
prison yard, praying for his wife and son -- awaiting death -- it
was then something remarkable occurred.
His two executioners called to him. Surely, he thought, this was
the end. But instead they said, "Father" -- that was the first
time they called him that -- "we have decided not to kill you."
Three weeks later, he asked permission to celebrate the Divine
Liturgy. And while making preparations, heard these same two men
approach. He turned around, and was astonished. His would-be
executioners were on their knees on the cold concrete of the
cell.
Father Calciu is with us today. Father, it's an honor to salute
you. I know you're glad to be here. But I know, too, you hope
to return to your native land. And in this season of miracles,
who can doubt you will? For today, the times are on the side of
peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the side of God.
For my own part, I know that this is true. For although I've
been President for barely a year, I believe -- with all my heart
-- that one cannot be America's President without a belief in
God.
Another President, Dwight Eisenhower once said, "Free government
is the political expression of a deeply-felt religious faith."
Let each of us use his faith to express the noblest values of
America. So that, together, we can serve the inalienable rights
of man.
# # #
Document No. 107760
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
0637
01/25/90
11:00 AM Friday 01/26
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SUBJECT:
(01/25 7:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
R
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
У
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 01/26, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
January 26, 1990
TO: CHRISS WINSTON
NSC clears with the changes indicated.
12
Brent Register Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
CC: James W. Cicconi
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
RECEIVED
90 JAN 26 A 8: 45
(Smith/Blessey)
7:00 P.M.
1990 JAN 25 PM 8: 40
January 25, 1990
CAST
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
SHERATON WASHINGTON HOTEL
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990
2:00 P.M.
President Rose, Director Cook -- and I want to salute your
leadership of the NRB. Ladies and gentlemen. ( (It is often said
of a group or individual that "He hasn't got a prayer." Today, I
am pleased to be with an audience about whom that will never be
said.) ) //
((Two years ago, I had the honor of addressing this annual
convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. And now, I'm
?!
back again. Even though I know this isn't what you had in mind
when you talk about the Second Coming. )) //
still, I'm delighted to be with you. And in the spirit of
the occasion, I intend to keep two VOWS. First, I'll be brief.
((I know there's a mention in the Bible about the Burning Bush,
but I also know I'm not that hot a speaker. )) //
The second promise is for those of you in the back of the
room. I'll try to speak up. // ((Jerry Rose warned me that the
agnostics in this room are very bad.) ) //
Let me begin with some good news for modern man. According
to the Gallup Poll, no society is more religious than the United
States of America. 11 Seven in ten Americans believe in life
after death. Eight in ten in a final Judgment Day and that God
2
works miracles. Nine in ten Americans pray. And 94 per cent
believe in God. // To which I say: Thank God. //
Sure, differences exist over sect and theology. ( (Some, for
instance, claim the stairway to heaven is climbed through good
works. // Some, that faith ensures that when the roll is called
up yonder, I'll be there. // Others think the Pearly Gates
welcome only those who like horse shoes and country music. //
These beliefs aren't mutually exclusive.) 11 Yet we know what
unites us eclipses what divides us. // For we believe that
political values without moral values cannot sustain a people. //
This afternoon, I'd like to talk to you about those moral
values. Values which reflect the eternal teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount. I speak of the qualities of freedom and
responsibility, generosity and faith. Values which remind us
that while God can live without man, man cannot live without God.
Today, amid political and economic change, these values
haven't changed. Nor have they been more crucial than in 1990.
They can help build a more decent America -- and help America
build a more ennobling world. But only if while endorsing the
separation of church and state, we also endorse the union of
conscience and government. //
At home, this means -- I believe -- that we must support
that most basic value -- sanctity of life. // We need policies
that encourage adoption, not abortion. //
Conscience and government also dictate that we must help
parents obtain the best child-care for their kids. // So we
3
have sent legislation to Congress to make good this pledge: I
want to protect the right of every parent to send their kids to
the care center of their choice. That includes -- especially --
church-sponsored centers. //
Next comes an issue that concerns all children: the quality
and diversity of America's schools. 11 Our pioneering
legislation -- the "Educational Excellence Act of 1989" -- will
spur excellence, demand accountability, and allow our kids to
learn. Remember Saul on the Damascus Road. We need a conversion
in American education. //
Finally, moral values support a belief held by the
overwhelming majority of Americans: The right to voluntary
school prayer. I share that belief. So I endorse a
Constitutional Amendment restoring voluntary prayer. We need the
Faith of our Fathers back in our schools. //
Now, you know me. I'm an optimistic guy. (After all, last
year I had an experience that renewed my faith. I was running
out of prayers and had given up hope. Then a miracle occurred.
// I caught a fish.)) // So it won't surprise you that I'm
convinced we can -- and will -- uphold these values. And as we
do, we will help do God's work. Yet that work must not be for
America alone. //
What, after all, does religion cherish? The dignity of each
human being. // And what does such dignity require?
Inevitably, the triumph of democracy. // Well, the past year
has been a victory for the freedoms with which God has blessed
4
America. A true season of miracles. // We have seen how moral
values can move mountains or -- as in East Berlin -- even move a
wall. //
It was Christ Himself, of course, who said, "Be a light unto
the world.' // So let us carry that light to every corner of the
world -- freedom of expression. And to think, dream, and worship
as we please. The freedom of equal protection under the law.
And to choose our leaders and our destinies. Our Administration
has reaffirmed these freedoms. What's more, we have -- and we
will -- support those individuals, and movements, who proclaim:
Let my people go. //
Think of Central America, where men and women of God --
facing great personal risk -- (condemn terrorism whatever they
work for human rights and against tyranny ofany
ideology. Think, especially, of Panama -- and let me say to the
Vatican: Every American thanks you. // Think of South Africa
have been a force for
and the Phillipines, where church leaders (are fighting against
democratic change.
oppression and tyranny // And, yes, of that miracle called
sustained the will
Eastern Europe. Where for centuries religion has been a catalyst
himhing Churches have higuous
to freedom even amid adversity.
for democracy.) And where men and women of faith braved
am history arer
the untwing
persecution to renew the faith which makes us free. //
More than five centuries ago, the Hungarian patriot Janos-
No
Hunyadi (YAHN-osh HOON-yah-dee) stopped a would-be Turkish
1) Turks! Don't knock
invasion. In his honor, the Pope ordered each church to ring a
2) sounds wrong-
bell at the time of day the battle ended. And since then,
Isn't it the
Angelus
Catholic church bells around the world ring precisely at mid-day.
anyway mid-day?
//
The Catholic Church has been an apostle of God. // And so
at
5
"churches"
Communities
isn'tright
have the Protestant, Reformed, and Jewish Churches of Eastern
word
Europe. Few will forget heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and
stood against the Nazis and their evil deeds.
"led restane"
Raoul Wallenberg, who Led the anti Nazi resistance They, too,
right
were apostles of God. //
Recall, more recently, this last miraculous year. And one
of the great soldiers of God of this or any time, the Reverend
Billy Graham. // Four years ago, Reverend Graham went to
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And upon returning foretold
a movement there toward more religious freedom. Perhaps he saw
it before many others because it takes a man of God to sense the
early movement of the hand of God. // Yet not even Reverend
Graham could predict how in 1989, the walls of bayonets and
barbed wire -- the walls of tyranny -- would come tumbling down.
Look, first, at the miracle of East Germany -- where in 1982
-- long before last November's mass demonstrations -- members of
Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church began weekly prayers for peace. At
Bible Study, students were taught non-violence. And started the
candle-light vigils that would one day rouse a continent. The
police came and threatened them. But the students would not be
moved. They vowed to stay, and did. Becoming, yes, a light unto
the world.
As with the disciples, that light spread to Dresden and
East
Berlin. And as it shone, a Wittenberg pastor said, "I would
rather see 1,000 drops of candle wax on the market place then one
drop of blood." // And there was no blood -- just as Christ
taught us. // Only the stirring sight last October of 70,000
Alongside East Europers democratic revolution was 5
religious reawakening, testimmy to the indomitable
spirit sustained by faith,
workers -- brave, defiant -- in the streets and squares of
Leipzig. Weapons? They carried candles. Their march rivaled "a
blizzard of fireflies in the night." Ask anyone that evening.
was
temo cratic
God was moving in miraculous -- not merely mysterious -- ways.
revolution,
not justa
Look, next, at Bulgaria. Where last month the State press
religious event
agency conceded: "People [were] wishing Merry Christmas to each
other without fear they would be accused of being 'religious.'
// And Czechoslovakia. There, too, a miracle. For years,
police chased carolers from Prague's King's Road. This
Christmas, the cold night of Charles Bridge echoed with young
voices. Their carols warmed the heart of the city. There was
wonder in the air. // And in Romania: Still further miracles.
Christmas songs on the radio for the first time since 1946. And
heroes who showed that you can't lock people behind walls forever
-- when they have religious faith locked in their hearts. //
Let me close, then, with the story of two such heroes --
both Romanian. And how their example -- and miracle -- illumined
Christ's special mission to mankind.
(TER-kish)
The first was a Lutheran minister, Laszlo Tokes, who dared
to speak of freedom. So last November, masked thugs broke into
the small apartment in Timisoara of Tokes and his pregnant wife.
They beat and stabbed him. The government allowed them no food.
// When parishioners brought bread, police arrived to deport the
pastor. But the flock protected him -- forming a human chain
around his apartment. In time, the chain grew across the land.
7
Until -- as the world celebrated Christmas -- Romania's morning
star of freedom summoned "lightness against the dark." //
Today, Laszlo Tokes preaches his faith without fear --
ministering to ever-larger numbers -- truly, an apostle of the
Lord. // As is that second man I spoke about -- a man who's
with us here. His name is Gheorghe Calciu [CUL-chew] -- a
Romanian Orthodox minister. His story proves you can't slay an
idea -- nor destroy the human will. //
Reverend Calciu has spent 21 of his 61 years in jail. In
fact, he found God there while imprisoned for opposing the
government. Released, he risked his freedom by preaching a
series of Lenten sermons. And for that he was imprisoned again
-- tortured beyond belief. // Yet Reverend Calciu had faith.
He refused to break -- and was sentenced to death. So he went to
a corner of the prison yard, and began to pray for his wife and
for his son. // It was then that the miracle occurred. //
His two executioners called him over. Surely, thought
Reverend Calciu, this was the end. But instead they said,
"Father" -- that was the first time they called him that -- "we
have decided not to kill you. // A few days later, he asked
permission to celebrate the Mass. And while making preparations,
heard these same two men approach. He turned around, and was
astonished. // His would-be executioners were on their knees on
the cold concrete of the cell. 11
In 1985, Father Calciu was exiled to America. But he hopes
to return to his native land. And in this season of miracles,
8
who can doubt he will? // For today, the times are on the side
of peace. Because the world, increasingly, is on the side of
God. //
If you doubt it, think of this past Christmas of miracles.
And of miracles yet to come. // Miracles that will occur in
Eastern Europe, in America, and around the globe. Wherever one
finds the truth that comes on one's knees.
Thank you for this wonderful occasion. God bless America.
And let me leave you with a favorite hymn, "God Be With You Till
We Meet Again."
# # # #