COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

The House of Representatives

Citation

Whereas, The churches of the 98^th Legislative District are being honored upon the observance of Christian Heritage Week, which will be celebrated on November 19-25, 2000; and

Whereas, Throughout our nation’s history, our leaders have been statesmen of conscience and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin stated, “It is impossible to build an empire without our Father’s aid. I believe the sacred writings which say that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1).” George Washington enunciated, “Animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and conducting ourselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, we may enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity.” Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote, “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” In his memorial and remonstrance speech, which was delivered to the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1875, James Madison, father of the Constitution of the United States, advocated “the diffusion of the light of Christianity in our nation.” Patrick Henry quoted Proverbs 14:34 for our nation, saying, “Righteousness alone can exalt a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” In the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason affirmed “that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other.”

Now therefore, the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania joins with the churches of the 98^th legislative District in observing Christian Heritage Week; affirms that the deep and enduring values of the Christian faith are the firm foundation of our past which will ensure a future of strength and hope throughout this Commonwealth and our entire nation;

And directs that a copy of this citation, sponsored by the Honorable Thomas E. Armstrong on November 16, 2000, be transmitted to the churches of the 98^th Legislative District.

Thomas E. Armstrong, Sponsor

Matthew Ryan, Speaker of the House

Attest:

Ted Mazia, Chief Clerk of the House