Wednesday, June 16, 2004

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)--President Bush spoke directly to Southern Baptists June 15, upholding a "culture of life" and the sanctity of marriage.

Bush, speaking live from the White House via satellite, also addressed issues relating to faith-based organizations, the judicial system and the war on terror.

The president told messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Indianapolis he and his wife are thankful for their prayers, which he has felt "at crucial hours."

The president said he will keep working to build a culture of life in America, adding to the progress he has made by signing the Born Alive Infants Protection Act and the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.

"Common sense and conscience tell us that when an expectant mother is killed, two lives are ended, and the criminal should answer for both crimes," he said in his 12-minute speech.

Also, Bush signed a law last November to end the practice of partial-birth abortion.

"This law is not only valid and constitutional, it is compassionate and urgently needed, and my administration will fight to uphold it," he said.

Bush said his administration also will continue its support for crisis pregnancy centers, incentives for adoption and parental notification laws. More...