The National Prayer Breakfast in Washington isn't usually a politically-charged
event, since it's hosted by lawmakers from both parties.
But President Barack Obama Thursday told attendees that his Christian faith
influences his economic policies, including his call for the wealthy to pay more
in
taxes,
and his health care overhaul.
Apparently the President's sentiments did not sit well with Georgia
Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-11th District).
"Congressman Gingrey quietly left Thursday's prayer breakfast because he was
disturbed and offended by the president's use of prayer and reflection time for
partisan politics and class warfare," a spokesperson for Rep. Gingrey said in an
email to 11Alive News.
"Rep. Gingrey found the breakfast to be inspiring until President Obama began
politicking, which the congressman found to be inappropriate," the Gingrey
spokesperson added.
President Obama said his
tax
policies coincide with the teaching of Jesus that "unto whom much is given, much
shall be required."
"While he commends the president for his attendance, Rep. Gingrey wanted to
hear what was in his heart and not campaign rhetoric," Gingrey's spokesperson
said. "He was disappointed that the president seemed to be unaware of the reason
so many gathered there today."
Obama didn't mention Mitt Romney or the other Republican candidates. His
remarks came a day after Romney created a flap by saying he's "not concerned
about the very poor" or about the "very rich."
Obama said his faith also guides some of his foreign policy decisions,
including supporting foreign aid or sending U.S. troops to Africa to target a
violent rebel group.
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