Contact: White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 202-456-2580

SYDNEY, Australia, Sept. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following text is a statement by President Bush regarding the death of Dr. D. James Kennedy: 

Dr. D. James Kennedy was a man of great vision, faith, and integrity.  Under his leadership, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church of Florida developed from a small group of worshipers in an elementary school cafeteria into one of America's most prominent congregations.  Dr. Kennedy's message of love and hope inspired millions of Americans and others worldwide through the institutions he founded, including Coral Ridge Ministries, Knox Theological Seminary, and Westminster Academy.  He was also a student of history and successful author who encouraged Americans of faith to exercise their democratic freedoms and put their values into practice.  His legacy of grace and personal humility will continue to influence hearts and lives.  

Laura and I pray for Anne, his wife of over 50 years, and the rest of the Kennedy family.