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President Gordon B. Hinckley meets President George W. Bush as he receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom June 23, 2004.

Bush administration invites religious influence

by Brad Jackman Tina Dean DEA05004@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Serving as the president of a country of over 280 million people is no easy task.

Consequently, several organizations have been employed to assist President George W. Bush as he makes decisions. 

 One of these organizations consists of an informal panel of religious leaders who meet with the president whenever he feels the need for spiritual enlightenment.

Sept. 11 was such a time, and Bush called upon 24 prominent religious figures of diverse faiths to assemble together to pray and discuss the course of action that the United States should take.

Among those in attendance was President Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley and those present wrote a collaborative statement that was released shortly after the convention, indicating their support for Bush and their advice to seek international response to protect the innocent from further attack. 

 When pondering the role of faith in public policy, Bush sought the advice of Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Lapin declared that Bush was not the first president to seek religious guidance.

“You are continuing in the American tradition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who turned again and again to Biblical wisdom and prayers to the Almighty, to guide our country in difficult times. Furthermore, by placing religious values at the core of your incoming administration, you will do a great deal to help unify the country after the most contentious election in modern times,” said Lapin according to www.towardtradition.org.

 Knowledge of the religious influence in the presidential administration is reassuring to many. 

 “I think it’s good because people don’t only think politically, they think religiously too, and this way [President Bush] is able to listen to the voice of the people both politically and religiously,” said Carina Stout, a senior from Hickman, Calif. 

 Bush said he senses the divide between religion and politics. 

  “The culture inside the government at the federal, state and local level [is] unfriendly to faith-based organizations,” said Bush at a conference held at the White House concerning faith-based and community initiatives.

As he continues to meet with the leaders of many diverse religions, Bush seeks to bridge the gap between faith and government. 

 “It’s a great comfort that our president keeps religion in mind as he makes decisions,” said Keith Hanson, a freshman from Bossier, La.

Most recently, when Justice Sandra Day O’Connor announced her retirement from the Supreme Court in July of this year, Bush sought input from televangelist Reverend Jerry Falwell. Falwell offered his prayers of support as the President made his decision.

Judge John G. Roberts was appointed to fill the vacancy just in time for the new term, which will begin Oct. 3.