A diverse group of Americans, including members of many faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds will be taking part in the 2004 Republican National Convention including pastors, ministry leaders, and other prominent Christian figures who will be leading the Pledge of Allegiance, performing the National Anthem, delivering the invocations and giving benedictions.
“The convention will pay tribute to the hope and compassion of the American people,” said Chairman Gillespie. “These phenomenal Americans are a testament to personal courage and an asset to their communities.”
Most recently announced to take a leading role in the Convention in New York City next week was Southern California pastor Greg Laurie. Laurie, recognized by the New York Times as one of the five evangelists in America most likely to succeed Billy Graham in occupying the national pulpit, will pray during the Tuesday, Aug. 31 evening program, the second day of the convention.
“People of faith play an important role in every election,” said Laurie, who pastors the 15,000-member Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. “Our beliefs motivate us to ask tough questions: What do we stand for? How can our faith serve the greater good? I am honored to pray for our nation in this forum.”
Laurie, who serves on the board of the Bill Graham Evangelistic Association, is also founder of Harvest Crusades, evangelistic stadium and arenga gathers that have drawn more than 3 million people in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand since 1990. Laurie has also written more than 20 books and hosts a national daily radio program, ‘A New Beginning,’ and a weekly television program, ‘Harvest: Greg Laurie.’
Also, most recently, Bishop Keith A. Butler, founder of the Word of Faith International Christian Center, was chosen to deliver an invocation at the Convention. Butler continues to minister extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars through the U.S. and abroad, and his television out reach, ‘The Word of Faith,’ is seen each week on stations around the world.
Today, World of Faith is an international ministry that has a membership of over 18,000 and reaches across the nation and the world with 65 churches in Africa, 15 churches in Pakistan, and 2 churches in Hungary.
The 2004 Republican National Convention will be held for the first time ever in New York City at Madison Square Garden from August 30 - September 2, 2004. For more information about the 2004 Republican National Convention, you can visit http://www.gopconvention.com.
