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King Abdullah II also spoke at greater length during the National Prayer Luncheon. He said that Christians, Jews, and Muslims betray the victims of terrorism if they succumb to intolerance and ill will. "In every generation, people of faith are tested," he said. "In our generation, the greatest challenge comes from violent extremists who seek to divide and conquer. Extremism is a political movement under religious cover. Its adherents want nothing more than to pit us against each other, denying all that we have in common. We must therefore heed the words of the New Testament: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" [Romans 12:21].

"The violence unleashed by terrorist groups, and the few who follow them, stems from hatred," he further argued. "Theirs is a repugnant political ideology which violates the principles and statutes of traditional Islamic law. No matter what grievance one may have, or what evil one confronts, the Qur'an commands us: 'Let not the hatred of others make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.' Extremists of any religion who teach intolerance and violence mutilate Scripture to advance their cause."

Joseph Lumbard, special adviser to the king on interfaith affairs, said the king wants to engage in a deeper dialogue with Catholics and members of other Christian traditions.

"We all have an interest in a secure and just peace in the Holy Land," Lumbard said. He added that the king has also been trying to "help evangelicals come to a more thorough understanding of the traditional teachings of Islam" and address misunderstandings resulting from the claims of extremists. Following the luncheon he met with a select group of evangelical leaders.

While King Abdullah II has met privately with individual evangelical leaders in Jordan, Lumbard said he had never before addressed a largely evangelical gathering in the United States.

"He wants to begin a long process of relationship building," Lumbard said. The spokesman added that despite multiple threats on his life, Abdullah would not be deterred in his approach. "His majesty knows that for true peace, all parties must be involved."

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DATA has more information about Bono's trip to D.C. and a transcript of his National Prayer Breakfast remarks. CNN has video. AmericanRhetoric.com has a complete transcript and audio.

Press reports from the National Prayer Breakfast include those from The Washington Times, Associated Press, and ABC News.

The White House website has the text of Bush's speech, but not Bono's. C-SPAN similarly only has video of Bush's speech.

Other Christianity Today articles on Bono and U2 include:

Bono's American Prayer | The world's biggest rock star tours the heartland, talking more openly about his faith as he recruits Christians in the fight against AIDS in Africa. (Feb. 21, 2003)

Calvin College on U2 | College class on U2 explores religious influence of a rock band. (Feb. 23, 2005)

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February (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50