    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 5, 2001]
    [Page 828]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Church of God in Christ's Endorsement of the Faith-
    Based and Community Initiative
    July 5, 2001

        I am pleased to receive the Church of God in Christ's strong
    endorsement of my Faith-Based and Community Initiative. The Church of
    God in Christ's support is even greater evidence that people dedicated
    to serving their communities and neighbors are fully supportive of my
    plan. This influential organization joins groups including the Roman
    Catholic Bishops, Salvation Army, Prison Fellowship, and AMEN, our
    Nation's largest Latino community-serving ministries network, in
    supporting this important initiative.

    Note: The statement released by the Office of the Press Secretary noted
    that the Church of God in Christ was the Nation's second largest
    historically black congregation, with 5 million members and 16,000
    churches nationwide. The Office of the Press Secretary also made
    available the letter of endorsement from Presiding Bishop G.E.
    Patterson, Church of God in Christ.