    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 11, 2004]
    [Pages 355-356]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Satellite Remarks to the National Association of Evangelicals Convention
    March 11, 2004

        Good morning, Ted. I want to thank you for
    your kind introduction. Thank you all very much. Thank you all. Ted, I
    think I need to invite you to Crawford so you can drive my pickup truck
    and learn the joys of that truck.
        I want to thank you for the invitation. It's such a pleasure to
    speak to all of you in Colorado Springs. The National Association of
    Evangelicals was founded 62 years ago with the highest of calling, to
    proclaim the kingdom of God. Today, your organization includes 51
    denominations representing some 30 million people. You're doing God's
    work with conviction and kindness, and on behalf of our country, I thank
    you.
        America is a nation with a mission. We're called to fight terrorism
    around the world, and we're waging that fight. As freedom's home and
    freedom's defender, we are called to expand the realm of human liberty.
    And by our actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than 50 million people
    have been liberated from tyranny, and they are reclaiming their dignity
    as free people. Our Nation can take great pride in these achievements.
    Yet I know that liberty is not America's gift to the world. Liberty and
    freedom are God's gift to every man and woman who lives in this world.
        I'm fortunate enough to be President during a time in which our
    country holds great influence in the world, and I feel that we must use
    that influence for great purpose. When we see disease and starvation and
    hopeless poverty, we must not turn away. And that is why, on the
    continent of Africa, we're bringing the healing power of medicine to
    millions of people now suffering with AIDS. From Southeast Asia to
    Eastern Europe, we're working to end the modern-day slavery of sex
    trafficking. And throughout the Middle East, we're standing with the men
    and women who work and sacrifice for freedom.
        Here at home, we're pursuing an agenda to help more citizens realize
    the promise of this country. That's why we've passed major tax relief to
    help our Nation's families and to create new jobs for American workers.
    We've passed education reform that gives parents more choices and makes
    sure every single child has the opportunity to learn.
        My administration is firmly committed to rallying the armies of
    compassion in America to help our fellow citizens in need. All of you
    know the power of faith to transform lives. You're answering the call to
    love and to serve your neighbor. Our laws should welcome and encourage
    your good works. We should never discriminate against faith-based
    charities.
        My administration is also committed to defending the most basic
    institutions and values of this country. We're working to build a
    culture of life. We took an important step last November when I signed a
    law to end the brutal practice of partial-birth abortion. We will
    vigorously defend this law against any attempt to overturn

    [[Page 356]]

    it in the courts. I will also continue to support crisis pregnancy
    centers and adoption and parental notification laws. I proposed doubling
    Federal funding for abstinence programs in schools and community-based
    programs.
        In the past 2 years, I have been proud to sign the Born-Alive
    Infants Protection Act and legislation supporting maternity group homes.
    I strongly support the ``Unborn Victims of Violence Act,'' and call upon
    the United States Congress to send it to my desk. I oppose the use of
    Federal funds for the destruction of human embryos for stem cell
    research. I will work with Congress to pass a comprehensive and
    effective ban on human cloning. Human life is a creation of God, not a
    commodity to be exploited by man.
        I will defend the sanctity of marriage against activist courts and
    local officials who want to redefine marriage. The union of a man and
    woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in
    cultures and by every religious faith. Ages of experience have taught
    humanity that the commitment of a husband and wife to love and to serve
    one another promotes the welfare of children and the stability of
    society. And Government, by recognizing and protecting marriage, serves
    the interests of all. It is for that reason I support a constitutional
    amendment to protect marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
        It is my responsibility as the President to make sure the judicial
    system runs well, and I've met that duty. I've nominated superb men and
    women for the Federal courts, people who will interpret the law and not
    legislate from the bench. Yet some Members of the United States Senate
    are using unprecedented tactics to block up-or-down votes. Every nominee
    deserves a fair hearing and a timely vote on the Senate floor. It is
    time for some Members of the Senate to stop playing politics with
    American justice.
        All of us are living in historic times. We've been called to meet
    serious challenges. I have great confidence in America because I know
    the strength of our people. The world saw that strength on a September
    morning exactly 30 months ago and in the countless acts of courage and
    kindness that have followed. Together, Americans are moving forward with
    confidence and faith. We do not know God's plan, but we know His ways
    are right and just. And we pray He will always watch over this great
    country of ours.
        I want to thank you for the chance to speak to this distinguished
    convention. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the
    United States of America.

    Note: The President spoke by satellite at 10:42 a.m. from the Map Room
    at the White House to the convention meeting in Colorado Springs, CO. In
    his remarks, he referred to Ted Haggard, president, National Association
    of Evangelicals.