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National Prayer Breakfast 2/1/90 [OA 4391]
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25
6
7
3
XX Acknowledgement
fore BOND.
ASK Christina
Pres Mo, (MOY)
Pres. Ershad
(air-SHAMD) (air
Pres. Buyoyo
(boo-YOYA)
Pres. Cristian
Primeminister Ugarda
(kih-sen-kah) (kih Kisekka - kah)
Bill KRystol:
VP + MRS. Q
will
ATTEND
PRAGU Breakfast.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 1, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT
NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
The Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
9:25 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank
you all. Thank you very, very much. Vice President and Mrs. Quayle,
and Chuck Grassley, Sam Nunn, and my dear friend, Billy Graham, and
Ruth. Jim Baker, that was a very inspiring testament of faith. I
also want to salute our very special guests who have travelled far to
join us in a prayer for peace and understanding. President Moi of
Kenya, President Ershad of Bangladesh. Major Buyoya, the marvelous
head of Burundi. President Cristiani, a longtime friend. The Prime
Minister Kisekka. And I just express for all of us a very hearty
welcome, and to President Ershad, a happy birthday greeting to go
with Bev Shea's. (Applause.) We're delighted you're here.
And I want to thank Bev Shea; and Billy, it'll probably
read: Prayer Breakfast, Bev Shea; Supporting Cast: Secretary of
State; Billy Graham. (Laughter.) A lot of Presidents out here.
Senators and Congressmen. He was magnificent. (Laughter.)
Magnificent music.
It's often said, in my line of work, that a candidate or
a proposal hasn't got a prayer. Well, I'm pleased to be with an
audience about whom that will never be said. (Laughter.) And this
breakfast is the result of years of quiet diplomacy -- I wouldn't say
secret diplomacy -- quiet diplomacy by an ambassador of faith, Doug
Coe. And I salute him. (Applause.)
And I was moved once again by what Sam and Liz told us of
members and staffers on the Hill who like to regularly meet to share
a few quiet moments of prayer and Bible reading. The values that
spring from our faith certainly tell us a lot about our country. And
consider that for more than two centuries, Americans have endorsed,
and properly so, the separation of church and state. But we've also
shown how both religion and government can strengthen a society.
After all, our Founding Father's documents begin with
these words: All men are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights. And Americans are religious people, but a truly
religious nation is a tolerant nation. We cherish dissent, we
cherish the fact that we have many, many faiths. And we protect even
the right to disbelieve.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. A
close friend of mine sent me a poem recently which eloquently
embodies this spirit of giving.
"I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought
my God but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and found all
three."
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding
their God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
MORE
- 2 -
You've heard me talk about A Thousand Points of Light across the
country. Americans are working through their places of worship,
through community programs, or on their own to help the hungry of the
homeless, to teach the unskilled, to bring the words of men and the
word of God to those who cannot even read.
And so I believe that this democracy of ours is once
again proving, as it has throughout our history, that when people are
free, they use that freedom to serve the greater good and, indeed, a
higher truth. As freedom blossoms in Eastern Europe -- and Jim was
talking eloquently about that -- I am convinced that the 1990s will
be the decade of the rebirth that he so beautifully spoke about. A
rebirth of faith and hope.
And one example, I met this week Father Calciu, a
Romanian Orthodox minister. Father Calciu had spent 21 of his 64
years in jail. A third of his entire life in prison. And in fact,
it was while in prison for opposing the government that he found God.
And once released, he risked his freedom by preaching a series of
Lenten sermons. And for that, he was imprisoned again and tortured
beyond belief.
And yet, Father Calciu had faith and he refused to break.
He 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 that something remarkable occurred. His two executioners called
to him and surely, he thought, well, this was the end. But instead
they said, "Father," -- and that was the first time they had called
him that -- "we have decided not to kill you." And three weeks later.
he received permission to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, and when he
did, he saw these same two guys -- the same two guards -- approach,
and to his astonishment, his would-be executioners got on their knees
and joined him in prayer. This is one man's story -- a humble
priest.
And today, the times are on the side of peace, because
more and more brave men and women are on the side of God. And so
that is the end of these few words. That is my prayer, that we will
continue to recognize the power of faith. Thank you all and God
bless you. (Applause.)
END
9:40 A.M. EST
Christina's Copy
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
Title: Prayer
Draft: Two
5. martins
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
retired
Rev.
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. (Ruth) Graham, Reverend (Tony
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
mary Louise
)
( (And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
They are: Major Pierre Buyoya, President of Burundi\\; President
Alfredo Christiani of El Salvador\\; President Ershad of
Bangladesh\\; and President Daniel T. Arap Moi of Kenya. Let
us give these distinguished visitors our heartiest welcome. \\\))
( (I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
( (The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
( ("Why, nobody made this glcbe,' " said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! )
2
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ. " But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions. This is not only wrong,
I believe it is impossible. For the values we treasure --
justice, mercy, charity -- come when we first consult Someone
greater than ourselves.
3
Still, some say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
4
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature --- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
5
4,000 people
150 nations
comments follow main address of Secretary Baker
Grassley
Billy Graham/George Beverly Shay/
Doug Coe -- Fellowship House, in Virginia - 522-0266.
Bangladesh -- President Alhaj Hussain Mohammed Ershad
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
>
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
12:80 0£ NAC 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Prime minister Kisekka
Kih - SEH- - kah
Uganda
CC C МИ 30 ¥8:51
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
1990 JAN 29 PM 5: 09
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and
Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith. Vice President +Mrs. Quayle
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
#3
#4
Major [Pierre] Buyoy \\; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
#2
#1
President Ershad II; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11.
I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. \\\))
( (I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
7
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
(("Why, nobody made this globe, " said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! "\\\))
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
through prayer in asking the almoghty
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
to guide usin his honels.
of Christ But we have with us today not just Christians, but
Islamic
All Allofus of us
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
ting
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
our neats
in the pawer of Prayer. that
andwe devot e
to that
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
goal,
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
NEB
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
1 ong
must be as secular as our institutions.
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
7
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
PM. Kisekka Uganda [KIA-SEH- kah]
h, or the dome of a
all reaching upward, for
But a truly religious
colerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school. \\\
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three."
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across the country,
S
Placesof worship
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
of
God and the words of man,
IS once again proung, asit
4
has throughout our history,
that
paradoxically
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
that
they use that freedom
fact about human nature when people are free to believe as
to serve the greater good and
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
As treedom Wossoms in EE
AND AROUND the world, I AM convinced that the 19905 will
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
?
C conni Comm
be decade the that belief, the world turns Ans back FAITH, to God. a relected of leope,
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
bless
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 1, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT
NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
The Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.
9:25 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank
you all. Thank you very, very much. Vice President and Mrs. Quayle,
and Chuck Grassley, Sam Nunn, and my dear friend, Billy Graham, and
Ruth. Jim Baker, that was a very inspiring testament of faith. I
also want to salute our very special guests who have travelled far to
join us in a prayer for peace and understanding. President Moi of
Kenya, President Ershad of Bangladesh. Major Buyoya, the marvelous
head of Burundi. President Cristiani, a longtime friend. The Prime
Minister Kisekka. And I just express for all of us a very hearty
welcome, and to President Ershad, a happy birthday greeting to go
with Bev Shea's. (Applause.) We're delighted you're here.
And I want to thank Bev Shea; and Billy, it'll probably
read: Prayer Breakfast, Bev Shea; Supporting Cast: Secretary of
State; Billy Graham. (Laughter.) A lot of Presidents out here.
Senators and Congressmen. He was magnificent. (Laughter.)
Magnificent music.
It's often said, in my line of work, that a candidate or
a proposal hasn't got a prayer. Well, I'm pleased to be with an
audience about whom that will never be said. (Laughter.) And this
breakfast is the result of years of quiet diplomacy -- I wouldn't say
secret diplomacy -- quiet diplomacy by an ambassador of faith, Doug
Coe. And I salute him. (Applause.)
And I was moved once again by what Sam and Liz told us of
members and staffers on the Hill who like to regularly meet to share
a few quiet moments of prayer and Bible reading. The values that
spring from our faith certainly tell us a lot about our country. And
consider that for more than two centuries, Americans have endorsed,
and properly so, the separation of church and state. But we've also
shown how both religion and government can strengthen a society.
After all, our Founding Father's documents begin with
these words: All men are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights. And Americans are religious people, but a truly
religious nation is a tolerant nation. We cherish dissent, we
cherish the fact that we have many, many faiths. And we protect even
the right to disbelieve.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. A
close friend of mine sent me a poem recently which eloquently
embodies this spirit of giving.
"I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought
my God but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and found all
three."
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding
their God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
MORE
- 2 -
You've heard me talk about A Thousand Points of Light across the
country. Americans are working through their places of worship,
through community programs, or on their own to help the hungry of the
homeless, to teach the unskilled, to bring the words of men and the
word of God to those who cannot even read.
And so I believe that this democracy of ours is once
again proving, as it has throughout our history, that when people are
free, they use that freedom to serve the greater good and, indeed, a
higher truth. As freedom blossoms in Eastern Europe -- and Jim was
talking eloquently about that -- I am convinced that the 1990s will
be the decade of the rebirth that he so beautifully spoke about. A
rebirth of faith and hope.
And one example, I met this week Father Calciu, a
Romanian Orthodox minister. Father Calciu had spent 21 of his 64
years in jail. A third of his entire life in prison. And in fact,
it was while in prison for opposing the government that he found God.
And once released, he risked his freedom by preaching a series of
Lenten sermons. And for that, he was imprisoned again and tortured
beyond belief.
And yet, Father Calciu had faith and he refused to break.
He 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 that something remarkable occurred. His two executioners called
to him and surely, he thought, well, this was the end. But instead
they said, "Father," -- and that was the first time they had called
him that -- "we have decided not to kill you." And three weeks later
he received permission to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, and when he
did, he saw these same two guys -- the same two guards -- approach,
and to his astonishment, his would-be executioners got on their knees
and joined him in prayer. This is one man's story -- a humble
priest.
And today, the times are on the side of peace, because
more and more brave men and women are on the side of God. And so
that is the end of these few words. That is my prayer, that we will
continue to recognize the power of faith. Thank you all and God
bless you. (Applause.)
END
9:40 A.M. EST
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Pres. Ershad (&OIr-SHAHD)
Major Buyoyo (boo-YOYA)
Pres. Cristiani
Pres. Mo, (moy)
P.m. Kisekka (kih-SEH-kah)
Uganda
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1990 JAN 3, PM 4: 06
January 31, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Through:
CHRISS WINSTON
From:
MARK W. DAVIS
MD
Subject:
Prayer Breakfast
I. Summary:
You will address four thousand people at the National Prayer
Breakfast at the Washington Hilton at 8 a.m., February 1.
Your remarks are about seven minutes long, and are on cards.
II. Discussion:
Your brief remarks will follow a speech -- on religious faith --
by Secretary Baker. This event is a little unusual in that it is
an event held in the "spirit of Christ," but many of the
attendees are of other faiths. The audience is about as diverse
as they can be -- from students, to Members of Congress, to the
heads of state of Bangladesh (Alhaj Hussain Mohammed Ershad),
Burundi (Major Pierre Buyoyo), El Salvador (President Alfredo
Cristiani) and Kenya (President Daniel arap Moi).
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
Title: Prayer
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you
...
Vice President and Mrs. Quayle, Senator
Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham. Secretary Baker, that was an
inspiring testament of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi [Moy] II; President Ershad [Air-
SHAHD] \\; Major [Pierre] Buyoyo [Boo-YOYA] \\; President
[Alfredo] Cristiani\\; Prime Minister Kisekka [Kih-SEH-kah]. I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. \\\))
( (You know, as a grandfather, I can't help but relate to you
the tale of the little boy who told his grandaddy: "I guess I'll
1 but 3 WOMKER it. go
outside and play baseball with God."
((
"How do you play baseball with God?" the grandfather
asked.
a
(("Oh, it's not hard at all," the boy explained. "I just
throw the ball up and God throws it back down to me.
((It's often said in my business that a candidate or a
did that we we here.
proposal hasn't got a prayer. Well, I'm pleased to be with an
audience about whom that will never be said.) )
This breakfast is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
tlike
- I wouldn't say "Secret" diplomacy- quiets diplomay
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump.
It was
but want don't my
2
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading.
Today, we join together, through prayer in asking the
Almighty to guide us in His hands. We have with us today not
just Christians, but those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and
Yet it Faith we are united
Buddhist faiths. All of us join together in putting aside
doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief that unites
us. We are united, because we believe that we cannot govern
alone. 11 We are united, because we believe that if we talk to
God, God listens. And most of all, we are united because we
believe in the power of prayer -- And that if our prayers are for
peace, and we devote our hearts to that goal, then peace will be
the answer to our prayers.
The values that spring from our faith certainly tell us a
lot about this country. Consider that for more than two
centuries Americans have endorsed -- properly so -- the
separation of church and state. But we have also shown how both
religion and government can strengthen a society. After all, our
founding document begins with these words: All men "are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable rights."
Some say that Washington is the center of a secular religion
called politics. And it is true that the first thing you notice
about the skyline of this city is not another cathedral of St.
3
Peters, or a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but the temples of
government. But look again. Survey the city from the top of the
Washington monument, and you will see the Gothic grandeur of the
National Cathedral. And in every neighborhood, on virtually
every street, the spires of a church, or the dome of a synagogue,
or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for the same
God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelieve. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You' heard me speak of a Thousand Points of Light. Across the
4
country, Americans are working through their places of worship,
through community programs, or on their own, to help the hungry,
the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the words of
men, and the Word of God, to those who cannot read.
So I believe that this democracy of ours is once again
proving, as it has throughout our history, that when people are
free they use that freedom to serve the greater good and a higher
truth. As freedom blossoms in Eastern Europe and around the
world, I am convinced that the 1990s will be the decade of
rebirth -- a rebirth of faith and of hope.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God bless every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
the
the
knees
please
anecdote prest wonk life spared, captors his hith on
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
Title: Prayer
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you
Vice President and Mrs. Quayle, Senator
Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham. Secretary Baker, that was an
inspiring testament of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi\\; President Ershad\ Major
[Pierre] Buyoyo\\ President [Alfredo] Cristiani Prime
Minister Kisekka [Kih-SEH-kah]. I offer each of you a hearty
welcome. ) )
((You know, as a grandfather, I can't help but relate to you
the tale of the little boy who told his grandaddy: "I guess I'll
go outside and play baseball with God."
( ("How do you play baseball with God?" the grandfather
asked.
(("Oh, it's not hard at all," the boy explained. "I just
throw the ball up and God throws it back down to me. ") )\\\
((It's often said in my business that a candidate or a
proposal hasn't got a prayer. Well, I'm pleased to be with an
audience about whom that will never be said. ) )
This breakfast is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. 11 It was
2
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate --Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading.
Today, we join together, through prayer in asking the
Almighty to guide us in His hands. We have with us today not
Islamic
just Christians, but those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and
Buddhist faiths. All of us join together in putting aside
doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief that unites
us We are united, because we believe that we cannot govern
alone We are united, because we believe that if we talk to
God, God listens. And most of all, we are united because we
believe in the power of prayer -- And that if our prayers are for
peace, and we devote our hearts to that goal, then peace will be
the answers to our prayers.
The values that spring from our faith certainly tell us a
lot about this country. Consider that for more than two
centuries Americans have endorsed -- properly so -- the
separation of church and state. But we have also shown how both
religion and government can strengthen a society. After all, our
founding document begins with these words: All men "are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable rights."
Some say that Washington is the center of a secular religion
called politics. And it is true that the first thing you notice
about the skyline of this city is not another cathedral of St.
3
Peters, or a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but the temples of
government. But look again. Survey the city from the top of the
Washington monument, and you will see the Gothic grandeur of the
National Cathedral. And in every neighborhood, on virtually
every street, the spires of a church, or the dome of a synagogue,
or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for the same
God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelieve. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school. \\\
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of a Thousand Points of Light. Across the
4
country ) Americans are working through their places of worship,
through community programs, or on their own, to help the hungry,
the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the words of
men, and the Word of God, to those who cannot read.
So I believe that this democracy of ours is once again
proving, as it has throughout our history, that when people are
free they use that freedom to serve the greater good and a higher
truth. As freedom blossoms in Eastern Europe and around the
world, I am convinced that the 1990s will be the decade of
rebirth -- a rebirth of faith and of hope. \\
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God bless every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
Chriss -
Some comments.
Thanks
Jim 1/30/90 C.
50:1d 0€ NAC 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
1990 JAN 29 PM 5: 09
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
please put in
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
Protocol
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
Major [Pierre] Buyoya \\; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
President Ershad \\; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11.
I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. \\\))
sames crass
( (I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
please
try
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
again!
office. Who made it?"
(("Why, nobody made this globe," said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! "\\\))
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump.
It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
who?pons
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
And
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
participated not
every week in the White House.
at's
mention
through prayer, in asking The Almighty
Today, we join together, as theoprogram says, "in the Spirit
to give our hands in His work.
et's not
Christ But we have with us today not just Christians, but
litt spirt then
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
all of
an
us
put ting aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
antho
note afterthong the
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
in The power of prayer. And that
and we devole our hearts
to that goal
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, A then peace
- can be realized.
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
There's a
better line
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
w the NRB re
must be as secular as our institutions.
speechilds
repeat
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics And it is. true that the Washington skyline of
has no St Peter's, or Notre Dame on Westminster. Om ity snot dominated by
cathedrah of God,
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
but, instea
itseems
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
Good
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
but
fix for
lead-in
3
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three."
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read.
of God, and the words of man, to
So I believe that this democracy 4 of ours proves is once an again ironic proving has as through it
out om history
fact about human nature n when people are free, to believe as
that
use that freedom to serve the greater good, and, often,
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
am convinced
democracy around the world I bel that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.\\
when we see a rebirth of belief, a rebirth of hope.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
other
bless you. and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
who's
represented?
(not necessary)
Eastern Emope and
as freedom blossoms around in
the world,
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Document No. 108 646
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
ok S.R.
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
1990 JAN 29 PM 5: 09
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
( (And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
Major [Pierre] Buyoya \\; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
President Ershad II; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11. I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. \\\))
( (I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
( ("Why, nobody made this globe,' said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! )
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ. " But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions.
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
3
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
4
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature -- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
THE WHITE house
WASHINGTON
January 30, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
JIM PINKERTON
SUBJECT:
National Prayer Breakfast Draft Speech
A few comments:
pg. 1, para. 2, line 1
We believe that the cost of poking fun at agnostics is not
worth the benefits -- especially in a speech stressing tolerance.
Therefore, we suggest omitting this joke.
3,5,3
"Thousand Points of Light"
A suggestion: Every so often, in speeches that are not
major addresses, we should return to the original Peggy Noonan
meaning of this phrase -- to re-explain (to the public and to
ourselves) just what it means and where the image comes from.
Making the connection between volunteerism and points of light
spread out across a peaceful sky will help prevent the phrase
from being drained of meaning through reptition.
4,1,1
"So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an
ironic fact about human nature - - when people are free to believe
as they choose, they serve a higher truth."
The fact is not ironic -- an irony being the use of speech
in which the meaning is contrary to the words. It is more like a
paradox -- an apparent contradiction that expresses a truth. The
word "ironic" often conveys an intent to mock, which, of course,
is not the intent here. Therefore, we suggest: "So I believe
that this democracy of ours proves, paradoxically, that when
people are free
"
###
OS : Ed 06 NVC 06
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
J
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
A
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
>
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
No Comments
see typo, p.4
90 JAN 30 P3 : 47
James W. Cicconi
1/30/90
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
1990 JAN 29 PM 5: 09
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
Major [Pierre] Buyoya \\; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
President Ershad \\; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11. I
offer each of you a hearty welcome.
((I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
?
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
(("Why, nobody made this globe," said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! "\\\))
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ. " But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions.
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
3
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three."
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
4
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature -- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
a
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
?
when increasingly
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. Bless And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
typo
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-90 :12:41PM ;
2024562397-
2024566218:# 1
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
R
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
d
ROGERS
CARD
PINKERTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
,
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
no
comment 812 DE NVI 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 30, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
FREDERICK D. NELSON FON.
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: National Prayer Breakfast
Counsel's Office makes no legal objection to these excellent
remarks. We do note that a word ("bless"?) was omitted
inadvertently from the last sentence of the draft.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this address.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President and
Deputy to the Chief of Staff
29 : Id 06
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
PINKERTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
,
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
1990 JAN 29 PM 5: 09
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
Major [Pierre] Buyoya \\; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
President Ershad \\; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11. I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. )
((I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
(("Why, nobody made this globe," said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened!"\\\))
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ. " But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us.\\ We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions.
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
3
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
4
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature -- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: 1/30/90
TO:
Chriss Winston
FROM:
x6266 Office CLARK of KENT National ERVIN Service CE
Action
Your Comment
Let's Talk
FYI
Attached are all commute m
the National Prayer Breakfact
Speed.
Document No. 108646
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
V
DATE:
01/29/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 01/30/90
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
SUBJECT:
(01/23 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
8
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 01/30. with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
E : 11v 0€ NAV 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
1990 JAN 29 PM 5: 09
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
Major [Pierre] Buyoya \\; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
President Ershad \\; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11. I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. \\\))
( (I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
( ("Why, nobody made this globe," said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened!"\\\))
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Islamic
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ. " But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions.
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
3
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
toward
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief.
So
surely,
A night argued
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
be this
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
cases
1
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
fell logically
"I sought my soul but
agrostics might
Indeed
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
"I sought my brother and
in the contracted the
aigne
God eluded me
found all three."
a
place of
ly penultimente
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
sattace the
.s
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
&.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
the
America volunteers are working through their church, through
country,
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
families. workplecer, at schools,
clubs, gamps
arriviative
4
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature -- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God bless every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
"fact" why " ironic?
is this
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
Title: Prayer
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
They are Major Pierre Buyoya, President of Burundi\\; President
Alfredo Christiani of El Salvador\\; President Ershad of
Permale
Bangladesh\\; and President Daniel T. Arap Moi of Kenya.
Let
us give these distinguished visitors our heartiest welcome. \\\))
((I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
( ("Why, nobody made this globe," said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! )
2
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ." But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions. This is not only wrong,
I. believe it is impossible For the values we treasure --
justice, mercy, charity -- come when we first consult Someone
greater than ourselves.
when
3
Still, some say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
4
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature -- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
democracy around the world, I believe that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
#
STAFFED
5:20p
1-29
Davis/Martin
Jan. 23, 1990
Title: Prayer
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1990
Thank you, Senator Grassley, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Reverend
and Mrs. Bagby. Secretary Baker, that was an inspiring testament
of faith.
((And we have several very special guests who have traveled
far to join us today in a prayer for peace and understanding.
Major [Pierre] Buyoya II; President [Alfredo] Christiani \\;
President Ershad II; and President [Daniel T.] Arap Moi 11. I
offer each of you a hearty welcome. \\\))
((I also understand that a few non-believers have graciously
accepted the invitation to this meeting. So I hope you'll
forgive me if I retell the old tale of the agnostic and the
bishop who were deep in conversation one evening at a social
occasion, when the agnostic's eyes fell on a beautiful globe of
the world that portrayed, in rich colors and vivid realism,
continents, rivers and oceans.
((The agnostic said: "This globe is just what I need for my
office. Who made it?"
(("Why, nobody made this globe," said the bishop with
feigned innocence. "It just happened! )
Well, one thing that didn't just happen is the National
Prayer Breakfast. It is the result of years of quiet diplomacy
2
from ambassadors of faith like Doug Coe and Bob Stump. It was
during the darkest days of World War Two that Members of Congress
first organized a prayer group. And for almost a half a century,
men and women in the House and Senate -- Members and staffers
alike -- have regularly met to share a few quiet moments of
prayer and Bible reading. And I am proud to tell you that there
is yet another Bible study group in Washington, one that meets
every week in the White House.
Today, we join together, as the program says, "in the Spirit
of Christ. " But we have with us today not just Christians, but
those of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths. So let
us put aside doctrine in favor of the greater spirit of belief
that unites us. We are united, because we believe that we
cannot govern alone. We are united, because we believe that if
we talk to God, God listens. And most of all, we are united
because we believe that if our prayers are for peace, then peace
will be the answers to our prayers.
There is a misconception that the separation of church and
state in America means that the values that animate our politics
must be as secular as our institutions.
Still, others say that Washington is the center of a secular
religion called politics. And it is true that the skyline of
this city is dominated not by another cathedral of St. Peters, or
a Notre Dame or a Westminster, but by the temples of government.
But look again. Survey the city from the top of the Washington
monument, and you will see in every neighborhood, on virtually
$
3
every street, the sharp spire of a church, or the dome of a
synagogue, or the minaret of a mosque -- all reaching upward, for
the same one God.
Americans are a religious people. But a truly religious
nation is tolerant. We cherish dissent. We cherish our many
faiths. We even cherish the right to disbelief. So surely,
there is enough room in the American heart to cherish one more
right -- to allow children, who want to, to pray in school.
A truly religious nation is also a giving nation. And a
close friend of mine sent me a poem that eloquently embodies this
spirit of giving. It goes:
"I sought my soul but
my soul I could not see
"I sought my God, but my
God eluded me
"I sought my brother and
found all three. "
Thousands of Americans are finding their soul, finding their
God, by reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
You've heard me speak of the Thousand Points of Light. Across
America volunteers are working through their church, through
programs like ACTION and VISTA, or on their own, to help the
hungry, the homeless, to teach the unskilled, and to bring the
Word to those who cannot read it.
4
So I believe that this democracy of ours proves an ironic
fact about human nature -- when people are free to believe as
they choose, they serve a higher truth. And with the spread of
democracy around the world, -I believe that the 1990s will be the
decade that the world turns back to God.
That is my speech. And that is my prayer. Thank you, God
bless you and may God every nation represented here today.
#
#
#