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Print Apostolic ministers from throughout the nation and from various Oneness organizations were called to Washington, D.C. for an important briefing on President George W. Bush’s domestic and foreign policy agenda on March 25, 2004 in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Robert Upton, Executive Director of the Apostolic Congress, organized the briefing. Several members of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ (ALJC), United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), and other Oneness organizations were present, including myself (Assistant General Superintendent for the ALJC) and Randy Keyes (Assistant General Superintendent for the UPCI). Approximately 30 people were in attendance. Tim Goeglein, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Public Liaison, moderated the briefing that featured several speakers. Goeglein began the session by leading those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, stressing the controversial “Under God” portion. The consistent theme presented throughout the day was that the United States is at a critical point in its history. Strong, value-oriented leadership must be continued. America is at an important crossroads, and the right path must be taken. (Interestingly, positive developments were taking place in Washington during the Apostolic’s visit. The Supreme Court concluded discussion of the “Under God” pledge question the day before this briefing. President Bush presented a “friend of the court” brief to the Court stressing his support in keeping “Under God” in the pledge. Also, on March 26, the Senate passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Bill (commonly known as Laci and Conner’s Law) which states: “Under federal law any person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb shall be charged with a separate offense, in addition to any charges relating to the mother.” President Bush plans to sign this bill which clearly defines the unborn as human beings entitled to the right of life. Obviously, this legislation is stridently opposed by pro-abortion forces.) James Wilkinson, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Communications, focused his address on the war on terrorism. President Bush, Wilkinson stated, views the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq as war. Wilkinson stressed that the nation must understand that this is a difficult and different kind of war with tremendous challenges, quite unlike previous world wars and even the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The United States is dealing with secretive organizations such as Al Qaeda, rather than specific nations. Furthermore, the enemy is cowardly and tends to hide behind the innocent. In spite of the difficulties of this war, two-thirds of Al Qaeda’s leadership has been captured or killed. Wilkinson stressed that partisanship should be taken out of the debate and that there is justified anger concerning Richard Clarke’s contradictory testimony before the 9/11 commission. (Clarke, author of Against All Enemies, accused the Bush administration of not taking the terrorist threats seriously.) Al Qaeda and the enemies of the United States probably rejoice over this partisanship. Elliott Abrams, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Near East and North African Affairs, then briefed the group concerning new developments with Israel and the Middle East. Abrams had just completed an Oval Office briefing of the President on developments in Israel. He would then leave the Apostolic briefing to address an Israeli delegation, which included Daniel Ayalon, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Abrams opined that Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s disengagement plan to pull out of the Gaza strip was a positive step in the possible development of a Palestinian state. Israel won the Gaza strip as spoils of war in 1967. Abrams stressed that the relationship between the United States and Israel has never been stronger; President Bush and Prime Minister Sharon are strong friends, a fact that strengthens U.S./Israeli relations. Abrams maintained that President Bush’s tenacity in fighting terrorism has emboldened Sharon to take risks, not only in fighting terrorism but also in working for a peaceful settlement to the Palestinian question. Although the Palestinian dilemma in the Middle East is an extremely difficult situation, exacerbated by relentless terrorist activity, Abrams suggested, “It is not beyond the mind of man to devise solutions.” Abrams also highlighted a prominent difference between the Clinton and Bush administrations. Former President Bill Clinton’s most frequent guest to the White House was Yassir Arafat, leader of the terrorist-supporting Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), whereas President Bush’s most oft-visited guests include Ariel Sharon and Tony Blair, Prime Minister of Great Britain. Matt Schlapp, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Political Affairs, said that President Bush has offered the nation that which it has thirsted for¾real leadership. In cultural, economic, and international struggles Bush has taken action. Schlapp said the Republican party is looking strong and appears set to maintain Senate control. He emphasized that it is important for the party to pick up a few seats in order to get needed judicial appointments passed. Schlapp thanked the ministers present for the work they do in the community. People of faith, he contended, have tried to be pushed back by many for many years. He suggested that one reason our nation is great is because of people of faith who force politicians to remain aware of values. It is imperative that people of faith remain engaged in political areas. Schlapp quoted President Bush as saying, “Do not mark time; it slips away.” The stakes are too high to not work diligently while there is time to do so. Kristen Silverberg, Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, spoke on the crucial same-sex marriage issue. She said the Bush administration feels marriage should not be experimented with and that marriage in the U.S. should be between a man and a woman. She commended the President on suggesting the need of a constitutional amendment to protect marriage, but she said it will be difficult to pass the amendment because many do not want to change the Constitution. Silverberg voiced her concerns that many young people support same-sex marriages. She said she was surprised that one-half of a recent group of intelligent young people who visited the White House expressed support for same-sex marriages. When asked why, the young people said their religious leaders did not talk about the issue and thus they felt it was a non-issue. Sadly, many of our young people are more influenced by permissive culture than by religious values. Silverberg said that faith-based initiatives are moving forward with the President’s strong support. The President is dedicated to seeing faith-based initiatives succeed in this nation. Finally, Goeglein, the moderator of the session, addressed the Apostolics. With force and conviction Goeglein expressed that George W. Bush is the right man for the right time. Something is happening in the United States, something very strong and positive. It is imperative that good people ensure moral triumph. The issues at hand are questions of values, values that must be preserved. Goeglein asked what will happen to America if same-sex marriages become common? He answered by referencing Dr. Stanley Kurtz’s study of same-sex marriages in Scandinavia. Based on his study of Scandinavia, Dr. Kurtz concluded that in a place where gay marriage is accepted, marriage dies - that marriage is no longer viewed as a prerequisite for parenting and that it is merely seen as one choice of many. Goeglein also discussed the constitutional crisis with regard to judges. The Senate is authorized only to offer advice and consent on judicial nominations, but the Democratic leadership has aggressively filibustered against the President’s nominees, including the brilliant Miguel Estrada. Democratic leaders are intent on refusing the appointment of pro-life judges, and this issue has become a litmus-test for approval or disapproval. The truth is that liberal judges wish to change the world through judicial decision since they find it difficult to succeed otherwise. But the struggle, Goeglein maintained, must be engaged. As Goeglein was concluding the briefing he was asked what can Apostolics do specifically to make a difference. Mr. Goeglein answered, “Pray. Pray. Pray.” Then he added, “And vote,” as he mentioned that 67 million eligible voters are not even registered. The White House briefing was an informative, enlightening, and exciting opportunity for Apostolics. A door of influence has been opened to us. Hopefully, Apostolic leadership in every organization will seize upon this historic opportunity, helping to facilitate positive political and spiritual changes in our nation. We must pray for our leaders. And we must vote. (This article was written for the May, 2004 issue of The Apostolic Witness and is published here with permission.)
ninetyandnine.com © 2004, Robert W. Martin ---------- Robert W. Martin pastors the Voice of Pentecost in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also serves as the Assistant General Superintendent for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, having previously served for 14 years as the organization’s General Youth President. Brother Martin enjoys playing tackle football in his living room with his 6 year-old son Alec and googoo and gaagaaing with his 1 year-old son Noah. |
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