Latino Clergy Saluted at Annual Prayer Breakfast

Hundreds of religious leaders joined politicians at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast this week and heard messages from President Bush and congressional leaders congratulating Latino clergy on their commitments to faith, community and family life.

“In the Book of James, we are reminded that faith without works is dead,” the president told the crowd. “By loving a neighbor as you’d like to be loved yourself, you prove every day that faith is alive.”Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson also took turns at the podium at the second annual event.

Bush and other leaders mentioned their gratitude for Latino military members who gave their lives in the recent war in Iraq.

“Because of their sacrifices, the world will be a more peaceful place,” Bush said.

Many of the prayers -- for the nation, political leaders and the Latino community -- were in Spanish and the political speakers offered Spanish greetings although they gave the bulk of their remarks in English.