WASHINGTON — President Bush characterized Islam as a peaceful faith Wednesday, seeking to distance himself from controversial remarks by conservative Christian leaders Pat Robertson and the Rev. Jerry Falwell.
"Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans," Bush told reporters as he met with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. "Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others."
"Ours is a country based upon tolerance, Mr. Secretary General," Bush said. "And we respect the faith and we welcome people of all faiths in America, and we're not going to let the war on terror or terrorists cause us to change our values."
Though Bush never mentioned their names, his remarks came in response to recent comments by Robertson and Falwell, the...