WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush met with nearly 800 Hispanic religious leaders May 15, telling them the nation has turned to prayer following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to the Associated Press.
Bush is the first president to address the annual National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. The gathering was organized by Philadelphia-based Nueva Esperanza (New Hope). The religious organization provides local Hispanics with educational, housing and job training programs.
"For some people, Jesus' admonition to care for the least of these is an admirable moral teaching," Bush said, referring to religious groups offering social services. "For many Hispanic-Americans, it's a way of life."
Bush called on Congress to approve his "faith-based initiative," which would allow religious organizations to receive federal funds to provide social services.
