Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741

WASHINGTON, April 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Yesterday the White House confirmed they covered up a sacred symbol for the name of Jesus during a speech by President Obama at Georgetown University.

The decision by the Obama White House shows a profound lack of sensitivity and respect for faith traditions and demands a public apology from the President.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, adds,
 
"Now that the White House has publicly admitted covering a sacred faith symbol for the name of Jesus at Georgetown University, it is imperative that they release a public apology for their disrespect of faith expressions.  For President Obama not to address the issue publicly would show utter contempt for religious expressions as well as a slap in the face to all those who cherish the name of Jesus."

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See the Christian Defense Coalition's prior news release regarding this issue below:

WASHINGTON, April 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- The White House confirmed yesterday that they asked for the symbol,which represents the name of Jesus, to be covered "to have a consistent background of American flags...."

It is difficult to imagine how any President could ask a Catholic University to cover up a sacred symbol representing Jesus just to accommodate a speech and create a background.

Group wonders out loud if President Obama would have covered sacred symbols of the Islamic faith?

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states:

"In 32 years of public ministry, I have never seen a President of the United States show such complete contempt and disrespect for faith.  This action by the White House should appall and anger every American who cherishes sacred traditions...especially Christians.

"The fact that the Obama White House would ask a Catholic University to cover up a sacred symbol of Jesus to provide a better backdrop for his speech shows that President Obama has no understanding or respect for sacred expressions of faith.

"The image that the Obama team portrayed during the campaign of Mr. Obama being a man of deep faith, understanding and tolerance is now completely in tatters.  It is stunning and shameful that anyone would ask a Christian institution to cover up a public expression of Jesus just so they could have a better background for a televised speech. This is not a person who respects or cherishes faith.

"What's next Mr. President, covering up the baby Jesus at Christmas events?"

For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741