December 19, 2003
By the Rev. J. Richard Peck

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - President George W. Bush received top honors from United Methodist Men Dec. 17 for his statements of faith and his call for the nation to be in prayer following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The award, certifying the president as a member of the Society of John Wesley Fellows, was presented by Gilbert Hanke, national president of United Methodist Men, which sponsors the award through its foundation.

Hanke was elected to this volunteer position in 2000. He is a speech/language pathologist in Nacogdoches, Texas, working for Nacogdoches Medical Center and Stephen F. Austin State University.

After presenting President Bush with a plaque, Hanke asked and received permission to offer a prayer. "Being the Christmas season," Hanke said later, "our prayer included a request for 'peace on earth and good will to all.'"

The presentation ceremony followed a decision made two years ago when United Methodist Men from the South Central Jurisdiction wanted to find a way to express their appreciation to Bush for his actions after the 9-11 tragedy.

Bush is the 426th person to receive the award making him a member of the Society of John Wesley Fellows. Its sponsor, the United Methodist Men Foundation, was created in the early 1980s to ensure that scouting ministries (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire and 4-H) would always be a focus of the denomination. The foundation now supports scouting, evangelistic ministries, a prayer line and other men's ministries.

"The John Wesley Award is given to clergy, laymen and laywomen who have demonstrated their commitment to Christ and their understanding that this faith affects every aspect of their daily life," said the Rev. Joe Harris, top staff executive of the Commission on United Methodist Men in Nashville, Tenn. "The recognition of President Bush as a John Wesley fellow emphasizes the significance of this award and honors him for his daily walk with Christ."

During Hanke's 10-minute visit in the Oval Office, Bush gave him a tour of some of the furnishings, beginning with the desk made famous in a photo of young John Kennedy Jr.

The president also spoke about the hymn, "Charge to Keep I Have," by Charles Wesley, John Wesley's brother, and showed Hanke a framed piece of calligraphy with the words of the hymn that hangs under a painting of the same name. The hymn was sung at his inaugurations as governor of Texas and president.

"And now I have this award named for John Wesley," Bush told Hanke. "Thank you so much for coming all the way from Texas to give me this."

Hanke told Bush that he was the first president to receive the award. "How many Methodist presidents have there been?" Bush asked.

"I don't know, but you're the best," Hanke replied.

"Right answer,' the president fired back.

Bush, a member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, sent his greetings and best wishes to the citizens of Nacogdoches, a city he has visited several times.

United Methodist News Service
J. Richard Peck is a journalist and consultant for United Methodist Men.