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(My note:  Is there a real Kerry?)

Kerry Silent on Israel -- but Audible Before Ohio Congregation

by Fred Jackson
August 3, 2004

(AgapePress) - A high-profile Republican is concerned over something John Kerry didn't say during his speech last week at the Democratic National Convention.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani says the fact that John Kerry made no reference to Israel in his convention speech -- and that other Democrats barely mentioned it -- raises questions about Kerry's support for the Jewish state.

Giuliani tells the New York Post that he has "no real assurance of where Kerry is going to be on Israel." To make the point further, he notes that Kerry told an Arab-American group that Israel's border fence is "a barrier to peace," but later told Jewish groups that it is a legitimate self-defense.

Giuliani contrasts Kerry's stand with that of the president. He says if President Bush is your friend, he is your friend -- and he is not going to say one thing to Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and another to the Arabs.

Kerry in Ohio Church
Meanwhile, there is no word yet whether the group Americans for the Separation of Church and State will be launching a complaint against an Ohio church that hosted the Democratic presidential nominee on Sunday. The group headed by Barry Lynn has been on the attack against several evangelical pastors in recent days who, according to Lynn, have used their ministries to endorse President Bush. Lynn has filed complaints with the Internal Revenue Service saying those pastors have violated the conditions of their tax-exempt status.

On Sunday, Pastor Ronald Logan of Greater Grace Temple in Springfield, Ohio, welcomed both Kerry and his running mate, John Edwards, to the service. He had invited Kerry and Edwards to speak despite dozens of phone calls protesting Kerry's stance on abortion.

Kerry spoke to the congregation about his religious views and how they relate to politics. "We're not running to be religious leaders, we're running to be lay leaders," he said. "But there isn't any way that you're not affected by your fundamental values -- the faith that brings you to the table."

At one point, Pastor Logan addressed those who had complained about Kerry's visit. "[F]or all of my Christian brothers and sisters who have called with a lot of negative stuff, we respect your right to differ with us -- but please respect my right to worship with whoever I want to worship with."

"I don't believe in abortion. I don't believe in gay marriage," the pastor also stated. "But if two men are married to each other and they come in here, I will minister to them."

Many Christians have questioned how churches can support political leaders who endorse such things as abortion and special rights for homosexuals.

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