Ala. Governor Apologizes for Remarks on Christians

This is the perfect reason why we shouldn't even blur the line between religion and government.

By BOB JOHNSON, AP
34 minutes ago

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley apologized Wednesday for his inauguration day remarks about only Christians being his brothers and sisters and said he would work over the next four years for people of all faiths and colors.
Bentley said he didn't mean to insult anyone with comments he made from the pulpit of a church once led by Martin Luther King Jr. He said he was speaking as an evangelical Christian to fellow Baptists.
"If anyone from other religions felt disenfranchised by the language, I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended anyone in any way," Bentley said Wednesday.
Bentley, who spoke at the church during a King holiday event after his official inaugural address, said no one should hate anyone else because of color or religion.
Speaking with reporters after meeting with several members of Alabama's Jewish community and other faith leaders at his Capitol office, Bentley said he will be a governor for everyone, not just Christians.
The Republican is a former legislator and Southern Baptist deacon who emerged from the back of a crowded GOP field to win the governor's office. He told the church crowd just moments into his new administration that those who haven't accepted Jesus as their savior are not his brothers and sisters.
"Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister, and I want to be your brother," Bentley said.
Some in the crowd at the church said "Amen," but groups representing other faiths in Alabama called the remarks shocking.

 

Good a Politician who has taken responsibility for his words, he was wrong and has had the courage to admit it.

 

Bravo!

 

No spinning, just an honest apology. Nice !!

 

Oh, I don't think it ever was a question of having to walk back his comments. I think it would have been great if he had offered some type of reasonable explanation for saying them in the first place. But let's just applaud him the walking back part.

 

I am here on the fringes of the bible belt. I would tend to think his original words are probably closer to the reality of his beliefs. Although I do believe he is sorry they got out of that venue.

 

Thing is he did not (from what I understand) try to excuse what he said No instead he did what many wont and admited he was wrong to say it, and that is something a lot of politicians will go try to avoid at all costs (bit like them giving a yes/no answer LOL)