Methodist Bishops Send Prayers, Hopes to Bush

The United Methodist Council of Bishops has sent President-elect George Bush assurance of their prayers and hopes for his “compassion, courage, strength and wisdom to lead the people into paths of righteousness and peace.”

“You have committed yourself to work for a kinder, gentler nation,” the bishops told him. “Your words bear a message of hope to a world torn by oppression, poverty and violence. . . .”

In New York, Morris B. Abram, chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said he has “great personal confidence” in Bush. “I look forward to the Bush Administration continuing the strong alliance and friendship between Washington and Jerusalem.”