Evangelical Mike Pence’s address dwelt on subjects like religious freedom, terrorism, and his Catholic upbringing.
Addressing a gathering of over 1,000 attendees at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday in Washington D.C., Vice President Mike Pence declared the Catholics of America have an ally in President Donald Trump.[/tweetit] The address by the vice president also touched upon points such as security, terrorism, and religious freedom. The speech comes at a time when many Catholics have condemned the president heavily for his tough policies on immigration and his plan to build a wall separating U.S. and Mexico.
VP Mike Pence’s Statement At Prayer Breakfast on Religious Freedom[/tweetthis]
Pence praised the role and contribution of American Catholics in building up the nation. He said that the faith of America’s Catholics “has moved mountains and the Catholic Church.” He also said America is the result of the millions of parishioners who have together become a positive force in the growth of the nation. He also conveyed the message that the president is actively working hard for the protection of their religious rights, and has assured the president’s full support in all their endeavors.
The vice president also expressed his condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks in London and Melbourne. Stressing on Trump’s efforts on fighting radicalism, Pence assured that the president is fully committed to eradicating terrorism both at home, as well as everywhere else in the world.
Pence effectively connected with the Catholic gathering by recalling his own Catholic past. Although he is himself an evangelical, he spoke fondly about his Catholic upbringing and how it has formed a core foundation for him to this day. He thanked the many Catholics who became an integral part of American history. He recognized the Catholic community as having played a key role in building up the nation by setting up educational institutions, hospitals, homes for the destitute and so on. He also recognized the many Catholics who serve in the military, thanking them for their service.
VP Mike Pence defended Pres. Trump's record on religious liberty at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Tuesday pic.twitter.com/4JmW5fVI6F
— Ted Goodman (@TedCGoodman) June 6, 2017
The breakfast was attended by many Catholic bishops, members of the clergy and other religious leaders including the leaders of the Little Sisters of The Poor, whom he praised for having resisted a mandate by the Obama administration which made it compulsory for healthcare establishments to provide contraceptives. Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart was present as a special guest.