[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[House]
[Pages 29411-29412]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Kansas (Mrs. Boyda) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Last weekend, I spoke on a panel about civics 
and civility at Kansas State University. And during the question-and-
answer time, a teacher stood up and asked me a question. She said, Do 
you know of any books that might be like a checklist that I could 
share, be a checklist on teaching my kids civics and civility? I 
thought for a minute, and I said, As a matter of fact, I do.
  I am holding it right here in my hand, Mr. Speaker. It is the Bible. 
This particular copy was my mother's Bible. And it is the one that I 
was sworn in last January. So it has a great deal of meaning to me. The 
lessons in the Bible are truly a checklist for decent living. In 
Matthew 22, when the disciples asked what is the greatest commandment, 
it is to love our God with all of our heart and soul and mind, and the 
second is likened to it, to love thy neighbor as thyself. And then He 
says, on these hang all the laws and the prophets. Love thy neighbor as 
thyself. Very clear. Judge not lest you be judged.
  The Bible has all the wisdom that we need to bring our country 
together. And that's why I'm glad the House is pausing tonight to 
recognize the start of National Bible Week. Faith has an important role 
to play in the lives of all Americans. It is a role that may be more 
important today in these dangerous and complicated times than

[[Page 29412]]

ever before. And it is a role that we, yes, we as public servants have 
to defend.
  Just last month, the Architect of the Capitol refused to fulfill a 
citizen's request for a flag certificate that referred to devotion to 
God. Just last week, the National Cemetery Administration banned a flag 
folding ceremony used at veterans' funerals because of references to 
God. Let's be clear: neither mentioning God in a flag certificate nor 
speaking of God in a funeral ceremony poses any threat to the 
separation of church and State. Not only is speaking about religion 
permitted by the Constitution; it is a right that is protected by the 
first amendment.
  Thankfully, both of these bans have been reversed, and not a moment 
too soon. As we begin National Bible Week, I hope that all of my 
colleagues and citizens across America will pause to recognize the role 
that faith plays in all of our lives to reflect on the lessons of the 
Bible. It is our guidebook. It is our guidebook to civics and civility, 
as well. It is our how-to guide for public service. Everything we need 
is right here, folks. It is right here between these two covers.

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