Bush thanks SBC for support

Posted: 6/13/07

Bush thanks SBC for support

By Tony W. Cartledge

Biblical Recorder

SAN ANTONIO—Judging by the reaction he received at their annual meeting, President George W. Bush’s popularity remains strong among Southern Baptists, whom he thanked for their support June 13.

Bush was greeted with a standing ovation of sustained applause, punctuated by whistles and cheers, as he spoke via a live satellite feed to messengers attending the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in San Antonio.

Bush expressed appreciation for Southern Baptists’ Christian witness, support of religious liberty, and good works such as hunger ministries and disaster relief.

“You’ve made our nation stronger,” he said.

“I also appreciate that Southern Baptists are supporting our brave men in uniform and their families,” he said, pausing in response to exuberant applause.

“I appreciate the fact that Southern Baptists understand the importance of fair-minded and impartial judges to our democracy,” he added. “I was proud to nominate John Roberts and Sam Alito to the Supreme Court, and I will continue to nominate good judges who will interpret the law and not legislate from the bench.”

Again, the president had to pause for applause.

Bush thanked Southern Baptists for supporting “a culture of life,” and reiterated ways in which he has worked to oppose abortions and the destruction of human embryos for research purposes.

Bush thanked Southern Baptists for their support of a “True Love Waits” effort in Uganda that has been credited with reducing HIV infections, and highlighted his support of programs designed to reduce malaria and HIV infections in Africa.

The president singled out “my friend Richard Land,” president of the SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, for helping draw attention to the Sudan’s genocidal actions in Darfur.

“The people of Darfur are crying out for our help,” he said, and Southern Baptists and America “will not turn away.”

“God has blessed our nation with prosperity and great abundance,” Bush said. “I firmly believe, like you, that we should use our resources to help those at need here at home and help those in need abroad.”

The president congratulated Southern Baptists for “meeting the needs of broken souls” with compassion and courage, “living out the call to spread the gospel and proclaim the kingdom of God.”