Calling the Obama administration the most anti-religion administration in American history, the national advocacy group, In God We Trust, today rejected a public explanation from the White House about its demand that Georgetown University cover a cross and the Roman Catholic abbreviation for Jesus during a the President's speech. 

"The White House's claim that officials did not mean to cover up these important symbols during the speech at Georgetown is typical political baloney aimed at defusing a firestorm of criticism from Americans who are fed up with the President's hostility towards faith," says Bishop Council Nedd, In God We Trust's Chairman. "Barack Obama is the most anti-religious President in our nation's history."

Earlier this week White House officials demanded that a cross and the religious abbreviation "IHS" in Georgetown's Gaston Hall be covered up before the President delivered a speech on the economy. When questioned about the order, a White House spokesman yesterday said, "Decisions made about the backdrop for the speech were made to have a consistent background of American flags, which is standard for many presidential events. "

"This excuse is ridiculous," adds Nedd. "This administration didn't want to offend its left-wing base by having the President appear and be photographed in front religious icons. President Obama is again pandering to anti-religious activists within his own party."

The scandal at Georgetown is just the latest attack on faith in American public life. The administration is the first in American history to include atheist activists in policy planning meetings. In January, the President picked Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to head the Democratic National Committee despite Kaine's policy of banning state police chaplains from invoking the name of Jesus in their prayers. More recently, the President nominated Judge David Hamilton to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Hamilton is a steadfast opponent of prayer in public. Additionally the President appointed professional political activist and Catholic- basher Harry Knox, to his Advisory Council on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

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?"

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