Monday, October 09, 2006

Every year for the past twelve years, D. James Kennedy has hosted the Reclaiming America for Christ conference, usually at his Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale. The events bring together hundreds of committed Christian nationalists for two days of lectures, seminars and devotions that, as the 2001 conference Web site puts it, chart “the path for believers to ‘take back the land' in America.” Speakers have included Roy Moore, David Barton, and Rick Scarborough, as well as the occasional GOP operative like Clinton prosecutor Kenneth Starr.

Former vice president Dan Quayle delivered a speech at the first Reclaiming America for Christ conference in 1994. In his book Eternal Hostility, Frederick Clarkson described the scene: "Quayle's speech was unremarkable, except for his presence during the recitation of the pledge of allegiance—to the ‘Christian flag,’ which preceded his remarks. The Christian flag, white with a gold cross on a blue field in the upper left corner, flies outside Kennedy headquarters. The assemblage recited together: 'I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, and to the Savior, for whose Kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe.’”

-Michele Goldberg
Kingdom Coming