President Bush Shows Strong Pro-Life Beliefs in Private Meetings

LifeNews.com ^ | November 7, 2003 | Steven Ertelt

[nickcarraway]

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Shortly before and after President Bush signed the ban on partial-birth abortions Wednesday, two groups of pro-life advocates met with him privately in the Oval Office. They tell of a man who strongly and openly supports the pro-life cause and does so because of a deeply felt Christian faith.

Chuck Colson, who founded a national prison ministry, met with President Bush before the bill signing event.

"We had a wonderful conversation, celebrating one of the most significant days of his presidency and a great day for all who believe in the sanctity of life," Colson said.

"This president has a deep concern for those in the margins of society," Colson explained. "[President Bush] talked freely about his faith and how committed he is to the cause of defending human life."

Rev. Jerry Falwell, a nationally known pastor, was part of the group that met with Bush afterwards.

"In this meeting, President Bush gallantly declared that his administration would put all of its resources behind the partial-birth abortion ban in the courtroom," Falwell said afterwards.

After some discussion and fellowship, Bush asked the group to join hands and pray "that God will bless our efforts to preserve life in our land."

"What an astounding moment this was for me personally," Falwell said. "Standing there in the Oval Office, I felt suddenly humbled to be in the presence of a man -- our president -- who takes his faith very seriously and who seeks the prayers of his friends as he leads our nation."

Following the prayer, Falwell told President Bush the people in the room represent about 200,000 pastors and 80 million Christians nationwide who consider him not only to be our president but also a man of God.

In response, Bush "humbly turned to me and replied, 'I'll try to live up to it.'"

Attending the meeting beforehand were Colson, Focus on the Family President Jim Dobson, former Christian Coalition President Don Hodel, homeschool advocate Mike Farris, and Tony Perkins, current Family Research Council President.

Attending the later meeting were Janet Parshall, Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Dr. Jack Graham, former SBC President Dr. Adrian Rogers, American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, National Religious Broadcasters President Frank Wright, National Association of Evangelicals President Ted Haggard, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Dr. Richard Land, and Rev. Jerry Falwell.

[Burkeman1]

Scalia and Thomas believe in the rule of law and the actual meaning of the Constitution. Liberals don't. Abortion is not a federal issue. Both Scalia and Thomas have said so. They will say it again on this topic and be scathing against the majority opinion which will overturn this ban but they will concur. The Feds have no right to dictate abortion laws to any state much less county or town! That is why Scalia and Thomas will concur in overturning this ruling.

[ohioWfan]

Did you see a tape of the signing of the bill, esther? I have NEVER heard more applause from an audience. It was marvelous! Wonderful promise kept!

(And it's GOOD to see you!! How have you been??......You can freepmail me, if you'd like. I've MISSED you, dear esther!)

[ptrey]

I think his statement is misinterpreted. Read it again and note about the 'people in the room.'

"Following the prayer, Falwell told President Bush the people in the room represent about 200,000 pastors and 80 million Christians nationwide who consider him not only to be our president but also a man of God."

[Burkeman1]

30 years war- To much of Germany became protestant.

[ohioWfan]

I pray you're wrong.

And I DON'T agree that the systematic murder of millions of babies is NOT a federal issue.

If, say, California legalized murder, would you say that it's a states rights issue, and not federal? Would it be fine then to kill people in California, and wrong for the federal government to intervene?

What exactly is the 'common defence' if it doesn't include the protection the life of a partially born human being?

btw, do you support this atrocity, or do you just put your own particular view of the Constitution at a higher level than human life?

[findingtruth]

bump

[ptrey]

You are entitled to your opinion:

30 years war- To much of Germany became protestant. My opinion is that they become

ATHEISTS.

Best, Will

[Burkeman1]

Your example is "ad abusurdum reducto". That would never happen.

[Saturnalia]

In other news, Hillary Clinton is a Democrat.

[findingtruth]

Not a federal issue, the law Bush signed is against the Constitution, and I would strike it down. Bush of course knows that and knows that it will be struke down- with Thomas and Scalia most likely concurring.

Actually, Congress could have included language in the legislation to preclude any appeal to the Supreme Court, but of course Congress did not do that. The legislation is a sham.

[DrDeb]

Thank God for President George W Bush, a president who genuinely believes in the dignity and worth of ALL human life!

[MJY1288]

"Praise GOD for this Pro-Life President!"

Yup, This was a very good step in defense of the unborn. I see that some are dwelling on GWB's statement that he didn't feel that America is ready to reverse Roe-v-Wade, as if this means he would veto a bill that reversed Roe-v-Wade.

If a bill reversing Roe-v-Wade ever reaches George W. Bush's desk.... HE WILL SIGN IT

[ohioWfan]

If someone said 30 years ago that doctors would be taking the heads of babies from the birth canal and sucking their brains out, most people would have said, "That would never happen."

It's called sin, Burkeman. We live in a nation filled with sinful, Godless people.

And you are naive to call any eventuality 'absurd' considering the direction this country has been going.

And I still think you are placing your own personal opinions regarding the Constitution above the value of a human life, and I find that disgusting.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[DrDeb]

I too am Catholic; however, I do not share your derisive attitude either toward evangelical Christians like the Rev Jerry Falwell or valiant Pro-Life leaders like President Bush.

The President is doing what he can to restore a culture of life in this country. Perhaps we Christians should UNITE to HELP rather than hinder this effort!

[Reagan Man]

Just for the record. PresReagan spoke by telephone to pro-lifers attending the annual "March For Life" in WashDC, each and every year of his Presidency. In his three opportunities, I don't believe PresBush has ever attended this event in person and I'm not sure how Bush addressed the event.

[Burkeman1]

I agree totally with your thoughts on what that "procedure" means. But it is not a federal issue! If Massachuseetts says that no abortion is legal no matter what! I would be happy and proud of my state. But if Ohio said that all abortion was legal from the first day of conception to the last day before birth or during birth- I would hate it and send money to those groups who oppose it- maybe even move there to work against such laws- but I would never want the Feds to intervene! That is worse.

I believe in states rights. Nothing in this world is going to meet our world view exactley. The best we can hope for is to live in community or town that matches best our beliefs without the "feds" telling us what to do.

Remember your Pslams. The man who prays for all the world but neglects his own family and neighbors is worth what?

[ohioWfan]

I believe he has sent personal videos to the event......not sure, but no President has attended these events to my knowledge.

[Faith]

Why would any mother agree to a partial-birth abortion? I believe that only 99.9 per cent of the women who are actually informed about the process would be unable to go ahead with it. But instead, most are naieve enough to believe lies----that the baby is not a baby but a mass of tissue, that the baby will not know any pain, that the mother's life is more important----and on, and on, and on. Every mother who is contemplating a partial birth abortion---or any abortion---ought to first be required to view a videotape carefully showing the procedure, including the stabbing of the baby's brain, and the suctioning out of the brain fluid. I will even go so far as to hypothesize that 99.9 per cent of the people who STILL support this procedure are either in a position to make money from it or have absolutely no idea what the procedure involves.

[ohioWfan]

I believe in states rights.

Obviously.......to such an extreme that you don't want PBA's to be illegal all over the country.

On that, I cannot agree. In fact, it sickens me. Being a Constitutionalist above being a Christian is, to me, unthinkable......and unScriptural as well.