William Helms: “during my years in the Senate I have been privileged on many occasions to work with a substantial number of ministers…”

“during my years in the Senate I have been privileged on many occasions to work with a substantial number of ministers whose Washington churches today are referred to as ``African-American.'' These fine ministers have almost unanimously supported efforts by myself and Joe Gibbs and others to restore school prayer to the Nation's classrooms. They are, in the main, opposed to abortion. In fact, I do not recall even one of these ministers ever describing himself or herself as ``pro-choice.'' But that perhaps is neither here nor there in terms of what I am here this evening to speak about. The day before the Senate adjourned for the August recess, I ran into one of these fine ministers over in the Russell Building. His church is Baptist. He has a booming, cheerful voice. And when I heard that voice, I knew who it was. He was saying, ``Are you going home tomorrow?'' And I told him I thought I was since the Senate probably would recess for the month of August. I asked him, Mr. President, if he had a message for the folks back home. And he said, ``I sure do. Tell them that God created Adam and Eve--not Adam and Steve.'' Some may chuckle at this good-natured minister's humor. But he meant exactly what he was saying. In fact, it was a sort of sermonette. The truth is, he was hitting the nail on the head, if you want to use that cliche, or telling it like it is.…”