Bush Announces $188 million for Faith-based Organizations at Knights of Columbus Convention
The president appeals to the 65-million strong Roman Catholics, sharing their opposition to abortion and same-sex "marriage" and support for faith-based efforts.
The largest Catholic lay organization chanted “Four more years” during President Bush’s speech on August 3 at the group’s annual convention in Dallas, Texas.
President Bush spoke to some 2,500 attendees of the 122nd Annual Knights of Columbus Convention, which included Cardinals Edward Egan of New York, Francis George of Chicago and Theodore McCarrick of Washington.
Bush announced that was awarding $188 million in federal grants for faith-based and community groups helping the homeless, drug abusers and children of parents in prison.
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"Government is not good at changing hearts," Bush told the Roman Catholic crowd. "Almighty God is good at changing hearts, which happens to be the cornerstone of effective faith-based programs."
Although the group does not officially endorse any political candidate, the pro-life and pro-family group shares Bush’s oppositions on abortion and same-sex “marriage.”
The Knights of Columbus has over 1.7 million members, a small segment compared to the nation’s 65 million Catholics, which make up 47 percent o the electorate.
Since 1972, no presidential candidate, including Bush, has won the popular vote without carrying the Catholic vote.
