As President George W. Bush addressed the nation before the joint session of Congress Thursday evening, Sept. 20, he received numerous standing ovations and long spans of cheers and applause. Earlier that day, he met in a more subdued, even spiritual, atmosphere with 26 religious leaders from throughout the United States, including President Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Hinckley received on Tuesday, Sept. 18, his invitation from the White House to meet with President Bush and other religious leaders. The meeting took place at about 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Also present were Cardinal Bernard Law, Catholic Archbishop of Boston; Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America; The Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of the Lutheran Missouri Synod; the Rev. Franklin Graham; and others representing a diversity of faiths including Jewish, Methodist, Baptist, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Evangelical.
Representatives of the various faiths had an opportunity to become acquainted before the meeting as they gathered outside the White House's appointment gate. As President Hinckley arrived on foot, having walked a block since Pennsylvania Avenue was closed to vehicular traffic, he was greeted cordially by the others, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet him. A Muslim cleric from California indicated that he had recently read President Hinckley's book Standing for Something, and said that he was impressed with the message.
The religious leaders, gathered at a table in the Executive Office Building in a preliminary meeting, were addressed by Cardinal Bernard Law, who offered a moving invocation and then indicated to those gathered one of the main reasons for their coming together in such a unique manner. The Archbishop presented a proposed public statement, which he said he hoped would represent the feelings of all present regarding the recent tragic events in America — the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. After reading the statement, he called for suggestions as to how it might be improved.
President Hinckley voiced his opinion that it was "an excellent statement" and that he would not hesitate to sign it. Several others offered their suggestions; the statement was finalized for release through the White House. (A copy of the statement is published on this page.)
The group was then led out of the Executive Office Building, across the way to the West Wing of the White House and into the Roosevelt Room. President Bush entered the room through the door leading from the Oval Office.
President Bush indicated that he wanted to say a few words and then seek input from those assembled. "I have never felt stronger," he said, "and that strength comes from God." He went on to say, "This is a struggle against evil. Fortunately, the good is bigger than the evil. We have an opportunity to find some good out of the rubble. This campaign will create a spiritual renewal in America."
President Bush then asked for responses from the religious leaders. President Hinckley quickly spoke up and said, "I just want you to know, Mr. President, that we are behind you. We pray for you. We love this 'nation under God.' "
President Bush responded, "Thank you, President Hinckley. I'm glad that you could come."
When asked what the American people should be praying for, President Bush said, "We need to be aware and pray for the safety of the nation. We need to pray that such incidents do not happen again." He added, "I have no fear, but we won't play all of our cards at once. I'm not interested in the Nobel Prize. I'm interested in peace."
Several religious leaders offered additional statements of support. A Hindu woman indicated that leaders for such times are raised up by God. One minister suggested that President Bush make an effort to teach that the nation seeks justice, not vengeance. The Rev. Kieschnick quoted Paul saying:
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.
"Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." (Romans 13:3-5.)
Another minister inquired of President Bush regarding that for which the people might pray for him specifically. The president asked that prayers be offered in his behalf for wisdom, strength and clarity of thought. He asked that prayers be offered for his family. Earlier, he had noted that his wife, Laura, is a "real rock under fire." This observation brought on enthusiastic applause from all present.
At the conclusion of the 45-minute meeting, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Archbishop Demetrios, offered a tender benediction. The entire group then stood and sang the first verse of "America the Beautiful." President Bush lingered to shake hands with the religious leaders.
Afterward Archbishop Law and a few others made comments to the news media as the group was photographed. The White House later released the signed statement of the religious leaders. In his address to the nation that evening, President Bush referred to the statement and the meeting with the religious leaders.
President Hinckley returned to Salt Lake City immediately after the meeting at the White House.
