Gubernatorial candidate talks religion, freedom
Danny Tindell /
Judge Roy Moore addresses the congregation at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Dothan Sunday.
Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore says America has forgotten its roots.
Speaking at First Free Will Baptist Church on Sunday morning, the gubernatorial candidate expressed disappointment in federal courts taking away what he called “the fundamentals of our country,” references to God and religion.
“We have forgotten the divine hand that has blessed us and allowed us to multiply,” Moore said. “Forgetting God is something America should beware. Prayers have been taken from our schools, our football games and our courts. The faith of this country has gotten worse because of our federal courts.”
He cited Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin as figures Christians should look to for inspiration, mentioning Franklin’s speech at the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
“Today, they call (Franklin) a deist, but he saw the importance of God and implored his contemporaries to pray together,” Moore said. “Let us remember what our founding fathers did on the Fourth of July, going to church and praying. Let us remember what Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln did, calling for us to remember God.”
Moore said he didn’t want to talk politics at church, but he did decry President Barack Obama’s recent declaration of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Awareness Month.
“This is an entire month dedicated to sodomy and to homosexuality,” Moore said. “Do you think God is happy about this?”
However, Moore’s message was also about positivity and the nation’s resilience.
“America can come back just like it has in times past,” he said. “We need to embrace some of the old ways. God is still God and can make America what it
was in the past.”
After the service, Moore sold numerous autographed copies of his book, “So Help Me God,” while chatting with congregation members.
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Reader Reactions
Judge Roy Moore has this “moran’s” vote. So many of you just siphon the liberal media as the sole source of your news. For instance, one of you made the comment that all he does is go around to churches and speak. However, if it’s true he was at Golden Corral, then why did the liberal media not cover this event, or for that matter, even mention it the same column. My family will vote for Moore!
Dothanfive,
Although agree with most of what you say about the Eagle Staff on picking and choosing candidates I do take exception to your evaluation of Judge Moore. I think in this day and age with politicians that espouse one thing and do another, it is refreshing having one you know will hold true to their word to the point of losing a job. In fact a very important one.
I have spoken with Moore many times in years past when he has come here and heard him speak in different venues. He has always kept the same message and encouraged open conversation from people who oppose or agree with his ideas.
He has always taken the time not to just slap a handshake and quickly leave but to hear what you or I have to say.
Have you ever spoken to him and talked to him about the issues that concern you? If not, you have made a pretty bold claim that is purely based on a perception and one I believe is greatly mistaken.
I have worked on many campaigns in my life and I would tell you that he is far from only looking out for number one. I have been up close to those that have been that way and he is not.
I really do encourage you and others to give the man a valid chance and speak to him when he comes to the Wiregrass next time. See for yourself close up what kind of caring man he is.
doctorT - it should not be a little known fact that the ten commandments are in the judicial building as that was never the true issue. the issue was how they were displayed by Moore. Moore is more about himself than he is about Alabama.
In terms of folks commenting about the Dothan Eagle’s use of a bad picture and the fact they did not cover his speech to the wiregrass GOP club that would have focused on policy/politics and not just religion (assuming he talked about policy)..... I tend to agree with those criticisms. The Eagle is not always fair and I can assure you they will take shots at Moore along the way and not put him in a very favorable light. For that….they are wrong. By comparison, I can promise you they will try and make Artus Davis look like a star. They publish what seems like all press releases from Bobby Bright, for example, and ignore those sent out by Sessions and Shelby.
Little known fact that the Ten Commandments are now back in that building but it cost him his job. Sounds like it was all political from the left to start with. A liberal Federal Judge was the one that gave the order. The Federal Judge should have stayed out of state business.
I would vote for him just for that but I also like how he has vowed to lower our taxes.
When Mr. Moore took his oath, he swore to uphold the Constitution which refuses establishment of any one faith over others. He was kicked off the Supreme Court in 2003 by the Alabama Court of the Judiciary, for failing to comply with a federal judge’s order to remove the Ten Commandments from the lobby of the state judicial building. Moore took his appeals in the Ten Commandments case all the way to the Supreme Court, losing at every level. Apparently, if you defy a federal court in order to impose religion into the public space, then you are a hero. Mr. Moore seems to forget that we were founded on FREEDOM of religion. I hope that Alabamians are wise enough not to vote this man into office.
The picture definitely is not good and I’m disappointed in the Eagle Staff for only having one picture to post.
I think he is doing the honorable thing by talking politics in other venues than the Church pulpit he was at the Golden Corral restaurant telling what he would do as Governor (where the Eagle couldn’t seem to find their way to.)
At the location where the Eagle went to cover him (at a church) it would not have been appropriate for him to campaign although the Democrats have been doing that for decades.
wow could the dothan eagle get a better pic of Roy Moore? It makes him look like a retard.
I agree that Obama is not good for the moral fabric of this country in many ways. However, to say that Roy Moore is what Alabama needs is crazy. This guy rarely talks about what he would do for the state…instead he goes around and talks about our nation forgetting its moral roots, etc. It is fine for him to bring that up but he needs to talk specifics about how he would govern. What are his ideas on specific issues, etc. Roy Moore seems to be all about Roy Moore - not all about Alabama. Since he is indeed running for Governor, maybe he should give speeches outside of churches and talk specifics. I doubt he will do that though. Instead, he will make the rounds to churches - still talk about his stance on the ten commandments - autograph the book he is trying to sale - and be vague on any specifics about how he would be the best Governor for Alabama. He is not what this state needs.
About time someone told the truth about what Obama stands for. No wonder Obama doesn’t want to go to church, he’s in total conflict with what the bible teaches. I’d like to see Moore as Governor, there is no doubt where he stands on his values and morals. I wish I knew where he was going to be speaking, I would have gone too.
I also like what wtvy showed on tv that he would get rid of the yearly property tax appraisal. That gets my vote!
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