Political Quotes

“the attacks on the churches, predominantly in the Southeast, are far more than attacks on these institutions--they are attacks on the very foundation of the United States. This country was formed to protect people's religious liberty. Burning a place of worship assaults this principle. The American people, who cherish religious freedom, do not look kindly on the destruction of houses of worship. I think the American people are particularly concerned--I know I am-- that a disproportionate number of these attacks have occurred at African-American churches. Of the 56 church burnings in the past 18 months, approximately 40 were predominantly African-American houses of worship. Many of these institutions are more than places of prayer-- they are the center of the community. According to the Justice Department, racial hatred is behind at least some of the burnings. Authorities will need to continue to investigate whether the fires prove to be part of a conspiracy or the work of individual miscreants. It is important to note that church burnings have occurred outside of the Southeast, including in Arizona. This February, the 65-year-old First Southern Baptist Church in Tucson was badly damaged by a fire that is now under Federal investigation. The Pastor, Ron Hart, said words with universal appeal: ``The First Southern Baptist Church did not burn down--just the building. The church is scattered all over Tucson. People are the church.…”