We are not looking for power, ... We are not looking for prestige. We are here because we care very, very deeply about the nation. ... We love God, we love our neighbors and we act out of a love of God and love of our neighbors.

It just wasn't there. This wasn't the game I was looking for, not the way I wanted to leave.

Prestige is the shadow of money and power.

The church has been brought into the same value system as the world: fame, success, materialism and celebrity. We watch the leading churches and the leading Christians for our cues. We want to emulate the best known preachers with the biggest sanctuaries and the grandest edifices. Preoccupation with these values has perverted the church's message.

He easily could have come to the officials responsible. If they hadn't acted then, he would resign, have a press conference, and that would be entirely honorable.

Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call to this country . . . It wakes us up to the fact that our God is sovereign and we should be constantly in a state of repentance humbly seeking God's favor.