Cord Byrd: “although I was pleased to have had the opportunity to join with Senators Faircloth and Kennedy as an original cosponsor…”

“although I was pleased to have had the opportunity to join with Senators Faircloth and Kennedy as an original cosponsor of S. 1890, the Church Arson Prevention Act, I remain saddened by the fact that this bipartisan legislative effort was even necessary. To think that the Congress of the United States must take action to stop the vile and revolting destruction that we have seen occurring at places of worship throughout this nation is a troubling thought, indeed. It is simply incomprehensible to me that anyone in this country could be so depraved that they would consider, let alone carry out, such deeds against the House of the Lord. Sadly, though, since January 1995, there have been fires at 75 churches nationwide. And while many of these acts of religious terrorism have taken place in the South, the fact is that any activity of this kind is an attack on all Americans, all churches, and all faiths. Not one of us is spared the effects of these dehumanizing incidents. This is why it is important that we stand together, all of us, to speak with one voice in condemning these cries of unspeakable dimension. Each of us, in this body and throughout this nation, must demonstrate a collective intolerance for this destruction. I would hope that all Americans--be they Christian, Jew, Muslim, or even atheist--take time to remember that this nation was founded on the principle of religious freedom.”