Message of William Jefferson Clinton

President of the United Stated of America
to Encuentro 2000
The White House
Washington
July 5, 2000

Warm greetings to all those gathered in Los Angeles for Encuentro 2000, sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

There could be no more appropriate way to celebrate this Jubilee Year than by recognizing and celebrating the richness of the Catholic Church's racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This gathering of representatives from all parts of your family of faith powerfully portrays my vision of One America.

I deeply appreciate your leadership in our national effort to bridge the gaps that divide us. The theme of this extraordinary event, "Many Faces in God's House: A Catholic Vision for the Third Millennium," reflects your commitment to this important goal, and I thank each of you for taking advantage of this opportunity to formulate strategies on how to promote healing, unity, and reconciliation in America.

Throughout our history, religious institutions and people of faith have made essential contributions to the life of our nation. I am confident that Encuentro 2000 will build on our shared experiences and bring us to a better understanding of one another and of how we together, we can create an America that is not driven apart by differences but instead is united around shared values and respect for our diversity.

Best wishes to all for a productive and inspiring event.

Bill Clinton




__________________________________

Encuentro 2000
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3413