Obama Tells Evangelical Leaders 'God's Hand Is Moving Through His People'
President Welcomes Attendees at Q Conference in Washington, D.C.
President Barack Obama commented on the importance of Easter and doing God's work, both as a nation and as an individual, in a video address Tuesday to the Q Conference, a gathering of young evangelical Christians seeking innovative ways to improve Christian ministry in the U.S.
The president began the address to the Washington, D.C., gathering by referencing the third annual Easter prayer breakfast at the White House, held on April 4.
"It was a time to reflect on what Christ did for us on the cross, and praise a God whose work in our midst didn't culminate on the cross, but continues today," Obama said.
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"That work can be found in our culture, our congregations, our missions, and our love for one another. It can be found in all of you who are doing your part around the world to address our most difficult challenges. God's hand is moving through his people," the president added.
President Obama then referenced various Christian ministries around the country that have worked to make the world a better place, including the Passion Conference, which works to end modern slavery.
"In all these efforts, I want you to know that you have a partner in the White House," Obama said, adding that his administration is committed to addressing many of the same needs as the Christian community, including feeding the hungry and lending a hand to the needy.
"But we also know that government isn't the only answer. So many of the challenges we face are also problems of the heart, and without committed individuals, thriving families and strong institutions, any attempt to address them will be incomplete," he said, referencing the importance of the Q Conference in making a difference.
"We need all hands on deck," Obama added, thanking those who organized the conference and brought it to Washington, D.C.
"The fact of Easter, and the reality of what God is doing in the world, requires us to confront the opportunities and challenges of our age," the president told those in attendance. "I look forward to continuing to work with you towards restoration and justice."
Critics argue that the president's Q Conference address was simply a rehash of his Easter breakfast message, as he expressed similar gratitude for the compassion and kindness bestowed upon the community by various Christian ministries across the country.
The Q Conference, hosted every year in a different city, was organized by Gabe Lyons, founder of Q and author of The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America. The Q organization and events aim to bring "together church and cultural leaders from every channel" to learn about "the most pressing issues facing our culture and collaborating around how to advance the common good in a pluralistic society."
