Students visit Washington, discuss role of faith in life
Approximately 500 students from around the country gathered together to discuss the role of religious faith in their lives.
The forum consisted of a series of dialogues with political speakers, representatives and senators, including Rep. Tony Hall from Ohio, Sen. John Ashcroft (R-Missouri) and Vice President Al Gore. Sessions were held on a wide range of topics, including "Racial Reconciliation" and "Servant Leadership." Students also broke up into small groups for further discussion.
"I am so glad that I went. It gave me a chance to meet with many different representatives and senators," Sid Richardson College junior Josh Earnest said. "All of them were working so hard to implement their faith in their lives. It was really inspiring to see the human side of people in office as well as their personal approach to God."
U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) said, "We hope this time together will provide students with an opportunity to dialogue with their peers and with men and women in leadership on how our faith and values impact our professional and private lives."
The forum is an offshoot of the participation of student leaders over the years at the National Prayer breakfast, which has been held annually in the nation's capital since 1953.
The National Prayer Breakfast, hosted by a committee of U.S. senators and representatives, is an inclusive gathering of people from all backgrounds and from almost every nation of the world.
Bayard Bell, a Jones College senior, said, "I learned how religious people can incorporate faith into their leadership. We discussed Jesus Christ as a model of leadership. Even if you are not Christian, you can still learn from His example."
Ryan Impelman, a Jones junior, and Bruce Godzina, a Brown junior, also attended the forum.
Domenici said, "Our dream is for individuals in positions of leadership to link arms across the generations to work toward the mobilization of the spiritual resources of our nation's youth. If each of us is challenged to examine our own faith and values, upon which we will base our leadership, then we will be able, both together and as individuals, to carry out our daily responsibilities in more effective ways."
This item appeared in the News section of the September 29, 1995 issue.
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