Rosemary Miller (Social Justice)
Stephen Webb wrote:
Bush urged to push through faith-based initiatives in
meeting with church and charity leader
Media release: 24 October, 2003
The head of one of Australia's largest church-based charities has urged United States President George W. Bush to press on with his reforms for faith-based community service and welfare initiatives in the US.
The Superintendent of Wesley Mission Sydney - a $130 million operation with 400 programs and services - met with the President and 11 other Australian community and business leaders in Canberra yesterday. Among the group were Queensland Premier Peter Beattie; Victorian Premier Steve Bracks; Dr Zygmunt E (Ziggy) Switkowski, Chief Executive Officer Telstra; Mr Michael Thawley, Australian Ambassador in The United States; and Mr. Brian Loughnane Federal Director of the Liberal Party;
Issues such as Iraq, free trade, international relations and Australian prisoners in American prisons were discussed.
"I encouraged the President to push through his reforms involving faith-based initiatives," Dr Moyes said. "He replied that the legislation on faith based initiatives was the most important on his domestic agenda and he was determined to use state funds to help churches and synagogues run social programs meeting community needs."
President Bush said he was a Methodist and attended a Methodist Church.
The President asked Dr Moyes how a new book The Faith of George W. Bush had treated his faith. President Bush had heard about the book but had not seen it.
"I told Laura and him that I had previewed the book and that the author and his team of researchers had uncovered some fascinating and little-known information about Bush's conversion, his sense of divine calling and how faith helped him overcome his drinking habit," Dr Moyes said.
"People are interested in the President's faith, but they also have a lot of questions that need to be answered. I told him the book; due to be released on November 11 includes the fact that Bush first heard the call to run for president during a sermon by the Rev. Mark Craig at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.
"Craig described Moses' reluctance to lead God's people, and Bush's mother, Barbara, turned to him and said, "He was talking to you." Laura Bush immediately told me that was true. I mentioned to the President that before he announced his candidacy, he invited Texas evangelist James Robison to meet with him for prayer. That was also true."
Dr Moyes said Bush is a close friend of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is also a committed Christian. "The two have shared Scripture and prayed together," Dr Moyes said. "George W. Bush has attempted to apply faith to presidential leadership."
President Bush asked Dr Moyes what the book would do to his standing among Christians. "I replied, much to his and Laura's delight, that it would help him get re-elected next year. I stressed the need for more openness in his commitment to Christ," Dr Moyes said.
-- Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
-- Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
