Rick Perry vowed last week that his appearance at an Evangelical prayer event would remain “apolitical,” yet his speech today definitely blended church and state.
“Lord, you are the source of every good thing. You are our only hope, and we stand before you today in awe of your power and in gratitude for your blessings, and humility for our sins,” said the Texas governor and potential presidential candidate.
Perry, who reportedly peppered his speech with prayers, then went on to delve into the nation’s political issues, “Father, our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see anger in the halls of government, and as a nation we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that we cry out for your forgiveness.”
He later remarked, “I Iove this country deeply. Thank you all for being here — indeed the only thing that you love more is the living Christ.”
Meanwhile, activists outside the event said the right wing Westboro Baptist Church picketed the gathering, although for far different reasons than pro-gay group GetEqual Texas. Westboro was vastly outnumbered by peaceful protesters, witnesses say.
Watch YouTube video of Perry’s 13-minute speech, AFTER THE JUMP…
