The RECORD

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release April 13, 2007

Remarks by the President at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.

The President: Thank you all; please be seated. Good morning. Thank you. It's good to be with you. You know how to make a Methodist feel right at home. (Laughter) I noticed that this year's breakfast was the Friday after Lent -- (laughter) -- you can eat your bacon in good conscience. (Laughter) And the priests can relax. (Laughter)

I appreciate the opportunity to be with you, I really do. I thank you for having this prayer breakfast. Prayer breakfasts show the true strength of our nation. I am honored that people say to me and Laura, "We pray for you." It means a lot. A prayerful nation is a strong nation. A prayerful nation is a nation, the true strength of which lies in the hearts of the men and women of our nation.

Our Declaration of Independence states that our freedom rests on self-evident truths about the dignity of the human person. Throughout our nation's history, Catholic Americans have embraced, sustained, and given their lives to defend these truths. This morning, we give thanks for the blessings of freedom, and we ask Almighty God to guide us as we renew our founding promise of liberty and justice for all.

I'm sorry Laura couldn't be here. She is by far the best representative of our family. Thank you for praying for her.

I appreciate my friend, Leonard Leo, for inviting me. I thank the leaders of the National Catholic Prayer breakfast. I'm honored to be in the presence of Archbishop Donald Wuerl. I have known the Archbishop for quite a while. I appreciate his strong and firm dedication to making sure every child in America gets a good education. (Applause) I am proud to be here with Archbishop Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. I appreciate the members of the Catholic clergy. I am honored to be here with two members of our Supreme Court, the Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sam Alito. (Applause)

I thank the members of my administration who have joined us, particularly our Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson, and Suzanne, thank you for joining us. (Applause)

I am in awe of people like Corporal Michael Blair, United States Marine Corps. (Applause) I thank the members of our Armed Services who are here today. I appreciate the members of Congress who have joined us. Thanks for letting me come by to say, hello. (Laughter and applause)

Of the 56 men who signed our Declaration of Independence, only one was a Catholic -- Charles Carroll. In 1776, Carroll was one of the wealthiest men in America. But because he was a Catholic, he could not vote or hold public office in his native Maryland. John Adams noted that Carroll's wealth and patriotism marked him for special vengeance if the Revolution were to fail. That is why when Carroll added his name to the Declaration, one bystander said: "There go a few million." (Laughter)

Carroll was willing to risk those millions because he knew that something far more precious was at stake: freedom. He believed that the self-evident truths of our Declaration would lead to religious as well as civil liberty. He knew that an America where people were free to worship God as they saw fit would be a land where Catholics would flourish and prosper. And he understood that whatever America's failings, our founding promise would always be a source of hope and renewal for our country. And at this breakfast, we commit ourselves to renewing that promise in our own time.

Renewing the promise of America begins with upholding the dignity of human life. (Applause) In our day, there is a temptation to manipulate life in ways that do not respect the humanity of the person. When that happens, the most vulnerable among us can be valued for their utility to others -- instead of their own inherent worth. We must continue to work for a culture of life -- where the strong protect the weak, and where we recognize in every human life the image of our Creator. (Applause)

Renewing the promise of America requires good citizens who look out for their neighbors. One of the reasons that I am such a strong believer in the power of our faith-based institutions is that they add something the government never can, and that is love. (Applause) Pope Benedict the 16th put it this way in his first letter as Pope: "There is no ordering of the state so just that it can eliminate the need for a service of love." In parishes and neighborhoods across our nation, Catholics take this call to heart -- and that is why we find so many of you leading America's armies of compassion. You are changing America one heart, one soul at a time, and I thank you. (Applause)

Renewing the promise of America also includes ensuring a sound education for every single child. America's Catholic schools play a vital role in our nation. The schools were built by poor immigrants, they were staffed by legions of dedicated nuns, brothers, and priests -- and they have given millions of Americans the knowledge and character they need to succeed in life. Today, these schools are also serving thousands of non-Catholic children in some of nation's poorest neighborhoods. I appreciate the tremendous sacrifices that many dioceses are making to keep their inner-city schools going. I am worried that too many of these schools are closing -- and our nation needs to do something about it. (Applause)

This afternoon I'll hold a meeting at the White House to discuss the difference America's parochial schools are making in the lives of some of our neediest children. We see that difference right here in the nation's capital. Pam Battle sat with Laura during my State of the Union address. She's a mom of two, Carlos and Calvin. A few years ago, these boys were in a public school that was not meeting Pam's expectations. We passed what's called the D.C. School Choice Incentive Act -- many of you in this room helped get that act passed. As a result of that act, her boys were able to transfer to Assumption Catholic School -- a parochial school that serves an almost entirely African-American student body.

Carlos became an A-student and president of his 8th grade class. He now attends high school at Georgetown Day. Calvin is a 5th-grader at Assumption -- I'm told he's running for "Student of the Month." (Laughter) Something I never achieved. (Laughter and applause)

Pam has a big smile on her face when she comes to talk about the education her boys are receiving. "The main benefit of this program is that I can drop off my sons at school with peace of mind. It's safe, and I know they are working up to their level." That's what Pam said. I believe every parent in America should have that same peace of mind -- and every school in America should ensure its students are working to their fullest of potentials. I applaud our nation's Catholic schools. I will continue to work to help these schools reach more children in need, so that our children have the skills they need to realize the full promise of the United States of America.

Finally, to realize the promise of America, we must have comprehensive immigration reform that enforces our laws and upholds the dignity of every single person in the United States. (Applause) And now is the time for the United States Congress to get a bill to my desk that I can sign. (Applause)

I thank you for your fine tradition. I applaud you for the love of neighbor you show through your organizations and your churches. I ask that you pray for our soldiers and their families in harm's way. And I ask that you pray that in a troubled world, America may always remain a beacon of hope and of freedom.

May God bless you all. (Applause)

By Mike Hein

The public policy representative of the Roman Catholic Chancery leveled a serious charge against the Christian Civic League of Maine in Sunday's Maine Sunday Telegram.

The paper reports that the Diocese of Portland (ME) will work with all parties of good will. This Diocese is a member of the pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage Maine Council of Churches. While he doesn't claim that the League acted with ill will toward the Chancery, Diocesan Public Affairs Director Marc Mutty claims that the Chancery has found that it is "impossible to work with [the League]." He further states that the League has been "unkind and un-Christian."

"I am saddened by the Chancery's remarks," said League Executive Director Michael Heath. I've worked well with Marc Mutty and the Chancery in the past on issues where we have been able to forge agreement." The League has partnered more than once with the Chancery in both the State House, and in referendum campaigns. The League has been unwavering in its stand against sexual immorality being forced on Mainers, and has called on the Roman Catholic Church to join it in it's stand.

On Saturday, Heath joined 27 Catholic men on a bus trip to the annual Boston Men's Conference. Heath talked briefly with Archbishop Sean O'Malley in the lobby of the Boston Conference Center. He also listened to the leader of the Knights of Columbus and a Cardinal from Africa.

"The Cardinal spoke of family practices in Africa," said Heath. "He said families in Africa don't nurture an awareness of rights, only obligations. I liked that. While I disagree with some of the theology of the Catholic Church, I came away appreciating much of what I saw and heard. I especially enjoyed time spent talking with the Catholic men on the bus, including my good friend Paul Madore."

The leadership of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Maine has adopted a relaxed strategy toward the threat posed by sexual orientation theory. The League has remained steadfast and unwavering in its support of Biblical moral purity.

Heath stated, "We've worked hard to stay close to God and the Bible on all matters related to sexual morality. For this we have been condemned viciously by Maine's institutional leadership. The people of Maine, of course, agree with [the League's] position when they are allowed to fully appreciate it."

Heath lamented the lack of comity that currently exists between the League and the Chancery. He said he sees little likelihood of improvement as long as Mr. Mutty is allowed to launch public attacks against the 110 year-old Christian ministry. The League is merely working politically in the light of the Gospel on matters related to sexual morality, law and politics.

Heath said, "I extended an invitation to Marc Mutty personally to join our Coalition for Marriage at a lunch in 2005. He never responded."

Heath expressed deep disappointment with the Chancery over their support of so-called 'gay rights' in 2005. Their support tipped the scales in favor of sexual orientation theorists, and unleashed an unspeakable evil on our homes.

One young man in Rockland is facing imprisonment now because he was proselytized by confused adults into living with a homosexual identity. He has twice threatened his male lover with a knife. In his second encounter he succeeded in stabbing both him and his father. This man's confusion is made worse by the Chancery's refusal to act and speak with clarity and precision about sexual morality.

"The Bible and the Vatican are clear about sex outside of marriage. The Diocese of Portland (ME) has a duty to be equally clear." said Heath. "Paul the Apostle said homosexuals will spend eternity in hell. And Jesus said it was better to lose an eye than to practice adultery."

Heath has said many times that Maine will fall to same-sex marriage or civil unions unless the Church decides to stop it. The Roman Catholic Church claims almost a quarter million members in Maine. Most Catholics are Democrats. While the Maine Republican Party is somewhat favorable toward traditional morality, the Democratic Party in Maine has been stridently liberal on abortion and homosexuality for decades.

By Mike Hein

Four Maine GOP Legislators Co-Sponsor Abortion Funding Bill

Maine Democrat Senate President Betheda G. (Beth) Edmonds (D-Cumberland County) is sponsoring LD 1309 "An Act To Provide Equity in Funding for Women's Health Services." The bill, which will have a public hearing later this spring, would allot over $283,000 in new spending to directly fund abortions for low-income Maine women. Maine currently does not directly fund abortions, but does give over $1 million annually to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, which does provide abortions in Maine. The bill is being supported by the Family Planning Association of Maine and the Maine Women's Lobby.

Senate President Edmonds, for her part, at a State House press conference recently asked, "How many more deaths will it take before we realize whatever it is we're doing is not enough?" She asked this in the context of the death of women in Maine from domestic abuse, not the death of unborn children from legal abortion. The irony was not lost on League Executive Director Michael Heath, however. Heath wryly noted that at the approximate cost of $500 per abortion, the number Edmonds was looking for was, "600(deaths), if she were referring to abortion."

While LD 1309 is being sponsored by Edmonds, the bill already has secured bi-partisan support among Maine's legislators. Four Maine Republican legislators are co-sponsoring the bill. Included as current co-sponsors of the abortion funding bill are: State Senator Peter Mills (R-Somerset County), State Rep. Abigail Holman (R-Fayette), State Rep. Roberta M. Muse (R-Fryeburg), and State Rep. Meredith N. Strang Burgess (R-Cumberland). The Maine Republican Party Platform, adopted just last year, states "We [Maine Republicans] believe in the sanctity of life and the right of parents to be involved in the reproductive decisions of their minor children."

The Christian Civic League of Maine has publicly opposed this legislation since learning about it in December, 2006. In a recent Bangor Daily News interview, League Executive Director Mike Heath reaffirmed the League's pro-life stand stating, "It's immoral for us to have abortion, period. To think that Christian, tax-paying [Maine] citizens will be forced to pay for abortions is absolutely unconscionable, it's beyond wrong." The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland (Maine) has just recently agreed with Heath and the League's position, stating they will also oppose the bill.

By Rev. Dallas Henry

Rev. Dallas Henry of the Hosanna New Testament Church hand carried testimony to the Legislature's Judiciary Committee today on LD 779, the controversial bill that would eliminate Christian clergy from legal marriage ceremonies in Maine. Henry told the committee to reject the bill calling it "chilling." Henry linked the bill to another controversial measure proposed by the homosexual lobby. LD 375 seeks to expand the rights of non-married sexually active adults under a law that is supposed to honor, uphold and protect traditional families. The homosexual partnership law would amend a law known as the "Family Medical Leave Act." Henry urged the rejection of both bills. The League's emails on LD 779 were so effective that the committee killed the bill without requiring Henry's testimony. The chair of the committee said, "From all the emails we have received you made your views abundantly clear." They then indicated that a straw poll of the committee indicated the bill was dead. The Christian Civic League of Maine has been associated with the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family since 1991.

Chairman Hobbins, Rep. Simpson, distinguished members of the Judiciary Committee, my name is Dallas Henry. I am the President of the board of the Christian Civic League of Maine, and I am a clergyman. I am here to represent the concern of our state wide membership of individuals and churches. Thank you for providing this opportunity for me to offer testimony today on LD 779, An Act to Remove Clergy as Signatories on Marriage Licenses.

I want to begin by saying that the summary of this bill is chilling. It reads, "The bill removes the authorization of clergy members to solemnize marriages." There is no good reason for this legislation. Because this is true, some are speculating that this bill further weakens our laws with respect to traditional marriage, and thus opens Maine to same sex marriage. This is an important point.

This bill is not unlike one that the Labor Committee is hearing now which equates non-married partnerships with marriages. If that bill and this bill pass then we will step even closer to the precipice over which many governments in the west appear all-to-willing to cast themselves. We will be endorsing and supporting sexual relationships outside of marriage. This is beyond dangerous or even tragic. It is evil.

If we wish to see where this is likely headed, we only have to look to Scandinavian countries where social mores about marriage have been very relaxed. These are countries in which homosexual marriage has been a matter of settled law for a decade or more. Everyone expected that the incidence of homosexual marriage would skyrocket. It made a statistical blip after its legalization years ago, but never rose above that blip. Instead, what has happened is that marriage itself --whether heterosexual marriage or homosexual marriage -- both have almost disappeared. It is destroying their society.

In a Christian marriage, God tells the husband to love his wife the same way Jesus loves His Church. A marriage can't fail when this happens. This is why it is vital to our society for Clergy to be the primary tools for marriage in Maine.

Christian Pastors believe:

"Marriage is not of human origin" and it is not a disposable relationship.

Marriage is not an institution dreamed up in the heart of man.

Marriage is the product of God's Divine Wisdom.

Marriage is an exclusive relationship.

God has provided the blueprint for marriage.

God affirms both sexes.

God blesses marriage.

We believe it is God's plan that marriage is for ever.

We believe that a successful marriage takes three; a husband, a wife and God. God calls marriage a covenant.

There are many benefits that Clergy provide for marriages in Maine. I am one of hundreds of pastors in our state who provide pre-marital counseling to prepare the bride and groom for a successful marriage. Christian Pastors agree that the divorce rate is way too high. By providing preparation, we are improving the odds and reducing the divorce rate. This, in turn, provides a great service to the state by keeping couples out of the courts.

I ran across a study made a few years ago in which it was discovered that church going families - where both husband and wife professed a strong personal faith in Christ and went to church together - experienced only 1 divorce for every 55 marriages. It really is true that "Families that pray together stay together."

The Christian Civic League of Maine urges you to unanimously reject this bill.

Thank you.

Chairman Strimling, Tuttle, distinguished members of the Labor Committee, my name is Michael Heath. I am the executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine.

I did not attend the public hearing. Given the majority party's obvious disdain for the will of the people on matters related to sexual orientation. I was of two minds about appearing at the hearing on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. I'm certain that nobody in the Legislature would interpret my failure to speak as support for this measure. It may, however, have been interpreted by some to be a lack of resolve.

Additionally, I understand that some people may be using my absence as reason to support this bill. This is shameful. The bill is bad no matter what the League, or I, say about it. Legislators have a duty to make up their own minds according to their lights, just as I have a duty to accurately convey the mind of the League.

I wish to reassure you regarding my views. If you interpreted my absence as lack of resolve, you are mistaken. Here is the testimony that I was prayerfully considering delivering on that Wednesday.

One year before the League was formed Charles Sheldon wrote a book. "In His Steps" was written in 1896. The book inspired a popular personal motto in the 1990s, WWJD, "What Would Jesus Do." As I was preparing my testimony today I asked myself that question, What Would Jesus Do? Social forces that wish to redefine familiar words like "family" and "marriage" often suggest that Jesus, and Christianity, obviously support their vision for western man.

I wish to respectfully suggest today that this belief is false. Jesus does not support the redefinition of words. Jesus, Christianity and the Bible are clear about family and marriage. Everyone knows that this legal definition of something called domestic partners is not consistent with Christianity. Is it truly compassionate and loving to affirm them, even in a secular society?

It is not either compassionate or loving to do so. If the state wanted to be truly compassionate and loving toward everyone involved in this matter then it would defeat this bill and go on to repeal the recently passed sexual orientation law. The government and media would uphold marriage and family, instead of allowing extreme ideas to dominate our conversation.

I propose a simple truth that once informed our thinking most powerfully. That idea is this: Sex outside of marriage is wrong. We should make this truth into a test and pose it as a question with respect to all our laws, practices, entertainment and policies. The question could be asked, Does this law (program, practice, policy) encourage or discourage sex outside of marriage? If the proposal doesn't discourage the practice, then the bill should be defeated.

This legislature has the power to pass this law. You can continue to hollow out America's culture by attempting to redefine words. Setting religion aside, this is not what Jesus would do. Jesus knows that this is nonsense.

Abraham Lincoln once famously asked, How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? We could ask as we ponder this proposed law, How many definitions of family are there if the state calls some of them a domestic partnership?

While it may be many things, a domestic partnership is no more a family than a dog's tail is a leg.

The Christian Civic League of Maine urges you to unanimously reject this bill.

Thank you.