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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