Politicians visit meeting, identify with Missouri Baptist values

Politicians visit meeting, identify with Missouri Baptist values

By Allen Palmeri
Staff Writer

November 9, 2004

RAYTOWN – Politicians who have gone on record supporting biblical marriage protecting the lives of the unborn chose to become a part of the 170th annual meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Oct. 25-27 at First Baptist Church, Raytown.

President George W. Bush, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and U.S. Sens. Kit Bond and Jim Talent all participated in the convention either in person, by videotape or by letter.

A highlight of the annual meeting came when MBC President David Tolliver read a letter from Bush dated Oct. 18. The president greeted messengers and passed along warm regards. He identified with messengers in that he said we are all inspired by God’s blessings, mercy and boundless love.

“I applaud your compassion and your commitment to the Almighty,” Bush wrote. “Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a memorable event. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.”

Talent by way of videotape thanked messengers for their stand on behalf of biblical marriage. Ashcroft echoed that theme in his videotaped remarks.

Bond went a step further. He showed up in person at the annual meeting and delivered a six-minute address on the importance of God, the Bible and biblical values in American life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,” Bond said, quoting Proverbs 3:5.

Bush, Ashcroft, Bond and Talent are all Republicans. Bush was re-elected president and Bond was re-elected to his Missouri senate seat Nov. 2.