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Politics and Religion Mingle at the Christian Inaugural Eve Gala WASHINGTON -- Sipping apple cider and cranberry spritzer in martini glasses,
about 800 supporters of the president gathered to “break bread”
at the Christian Inaugural Eve Gala and thank “a gracious God”
for George Bush’s re-election. Numerous lawmakers made guest appearances, including Republican Sens. Sam Brownback of Kansas and John Thune of South Dakota. Ken Mehlman, Bush’s campaign manager and newly installed chairman of the Republican National Committee, promised the president will “work to strengthen marriage, not to undermine it.” The surprise moment came when Rev. Louis Sheldon introduced Sandy Banning, mother of the California girl whose father, Michael Newdow, sued to remove the phrase "One nation, under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance The audience at the Ritz Carlton hotel cheered as Banning, who is Christian, recited the Pledge. At the dramatic moment, they shouted in unison, “Under God!” “What happened on Nov. 2 vindicated everything that has come against all of us in some form or shape,” said Sheldon, founder of the Traditional Values Coalition . “This nation is under God. We are saved because Jesus Christ died on the cross. Thank you, Mel Gibson.” Washington’s first winter snowfall, little more than a dusting, kept some of the expected 840 guests home. No-shows included Jerry Falwell and his family. Karl Rove, Bush’s re-election guru, thanked the celebrants for helping mobilize the Christian vote. “You knocked on doors, and you talked to your neighbors and you got out the vote in a big way,” Rove said Many speeches, which focused on the “sanctity of human life,” and keeping marriage between a man and a woman, won shouts of “Amen,” and “Praise God.” Embossed in gold letters on the cover of the gold-tasseled, sangria-red program was the theme, “One nation under God: Acknowledging the Providential Hand of God in America.” “It’s basically to celebrate the inauguration of President Bush and the victory of what was a values referendum in the past year,” said Jim Lafferty, the husband of Coalition chief executive Andrea Lafferty. “We’re celebrating the fact that the guy who has our values won.” The gala would have been much different if Sen. John Kerry had won the election, he said. “It would have been more prayerful,” Lafferty said. “A little less celebration, a lot more prayer.” “We’re not endorsing a party. It’s what Mr. Bush stands for that causes us to celebrate his election. He’s doing what we’ve asked people to do.” Every guest received a plaque with George Washington’s quote, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.” A gift bag contained the book, “The Faith of George W. Bush,” written by Stephen Mansfield; the book “The Agenda: The Homosexual Plan to Abolish Moral Judgment,” by Sheldon; a Christian-music compact disc; and a copy of special gala painting by popular artist Thomas Kinkade. Rev. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life gave the invocation, praying for Bush’s presidency and thanking God for defining marriage as a union between “one man and one woman.” During the dinner featuring lobster bisque and filet mignon, two large screens displayed Bush’s pre-inauguration quote to The Washington Times, “I don’t see how you can be president without a relationship with the Lord.” Outgoing Attorney General John Ashcroft received standing ovations when he told the crowd: “A spirit of faith and thanksgiving has defined and united America as a people and a culture.” Some wept as Christian music stars Nicole Mullen and Al Denson sang, and laughed at Jeff Allen’s religious-tinged jokes. Tim Goeglein, White House spokesman and final speaker, said: “We have a gracious God whose will it was that tomorrow George W. Bush would place his left hand on the Bible,” and take the oath of office. Then the crowd prayed, and sang, and prayed again. |