After a prepared talk, a questioner told Mr. Bush that Oregon is one of the most un-churched states in the union. She asked if he would say a prayer for our state.
Mr. Bush is usually not shy about expressing his religious beliefs. And his Beaverton audience clearly shared those beliefs. But on this day, in this state, the President of the United States took the opportunity to remind his political friends and foes alike that he appreciates the importance of separating church and state.
Here is the question, and the President’s spontaneous response to the request that he pray for Oregon:
Mr. Bush could have made his audience happy by asking everyone to bow their heads and pray with him. Instead, he took the opportunity to make an eloquent and memorable statement. Support or oppose him politically, all Americans should be able to appreciate what he said that day.Q: Yes Sir. Thank you, Mr. President, for visiting Oregon. I've heard through the grapevine that Oregon is one of the most unchurched states in the union, and I really feel like it shows up in every walk of our society. Could you take a moment to pray for Oregon, for us, right now?
A: Well, I appreciate that. I'd -- look, I think this. I think the thing about our country that you must understand is that one of the most valuable aspects of America is that people can choose church or not church, and they're equally American. That is a vital part of our society.
It's really important. It's -- it's very important that we jealously guard that tradition of America. See, it's the ability to say, I believe or don't believe, which, in itself, is a valuable freedom that we must never surrender. That's what's -- that what causes us to stand in stark contrast to nations all around the world. And if you choose to believe, you're equally American if you're Christian, Jew, Muslim, or Hindi.
That's the great thing about our country. It's this great freedom. It's the fact that we're free to worship the way we see fit, in itself, is a vibrant part of the soul of America. Remember, that's what -- when I was talking about the Taliban, they would drag people out in the public squares for whippings because they did not ascribe to their dim view of religion. And that's the opposite of what we believe in in America.
And so I appreciate what you say, but people in this country need to honor everybody's decision they make about religion. As you know, I've made my choice, and I -- I'm -- as I told you, I appreciate the prayers of the people. And it's -- the prayers are a sustaining aspect of my life. But so long as I'm the President, and I suspect every President after me, hopefully, will jealously guard the great freedom of religion which is a -- which is a part of our -- part of our country's heritage.
