Reader comments
Thurl Bailey opens GOP convention with prayer
50 comments | Read story
kathyn | 3:18 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Thurl Bailey is really the best of the best. I've seen him speak on tv and
he is intelligent and articulate.
Samantha | 3:58 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
That is so cool, that he would do that. He's prays and blesses others. That
is really neat. I had no idea he was a member of the LDS church.
Ken Baguley | 4:22 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
I couldn't be more proud to have Thurl Bailey represent me as a leader in
prayer...Thurl you're one to behold...Thanks for your faithful life.
Comments continue below
Ruth | 4:27 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
That's super. I love Thurl. He is a super singer.
I also pray for those in the way of Gustav.
I also pray for those in the way of Gustav.
Drew | 4:53 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Couldn't be a nicer guy. Great job Thurl. You are such a great leader and
example for us all.
Marsha | 5:12 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
This is politics with heart! What better way to open a political event than
with a solemn prayer for guidance and protection for all Americans. Well done,
Thurl; well done RNC!
Cats | 5:36 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Go Thurl! You're the greatest.
Dave | 5:43 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Is he related to Pearl Bailey?
Anonymous | 5:42 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Well how about that? The GOP let a Mormon give the invocation at their
convention!
Kidding aside, this is wonderful. Thurl's a great guy.
Kidding aside, this is wonderful. Thurl's a great guy.
Shop & Compare | 5:46 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Did the Democratic Convention include a prayer?
Aarius | 6:03 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Wise choice. Thurl has added honor and sincere humility to the political arena,
something Mitt would have built his administration upon. Minute by minute, hour
by hour, day by day, the Church is coming out of obscurity until it blankets the
earth with truth and integrity. Naysayers may argue all they want to but the
truth my friend is the truth. Remember, "No unhallowed hand..."
Disbelief | 6:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
@Marsha - I thought you were joking. I fear you aren't. I'm thinking
that's a great way to open a church meeting, but a political meeting?
Well, I guess as long as the prayer invokes your religion. Too bad for you if
you're not Christian in the USA.
Rod | 6:23 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Could it get any better than to invoke the blessing of our God under whose
influence the great country was built? Thanks to the GOP for lighting the way in
an otherwise dim outlook for this election.
to disbelief @6:14 | 6:41 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
A sincere prayer is a wonderful thing. Just let it go, please.
David | 6:56 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
While I feel the RNC, in general, is more sincere with the prayers, pledge of
allegiance, etc. please note that the DNC also had an invocation and benediction
at each of their sessions. I'm glad the majority of those commenting seem
to be conservative, but please know what "the other side" is doing as
well so you can speak intellectually about the political process in this great
land.
njp | 7:08 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
My faith in politics may have been somewhat restored! Thank you RNC for
blessing the nation, the people, and those who serve to keep us free! Thank you
Thurl.
bart | 7:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
If everyone, Republican, Democrat or Independent had a similar sincere prayer in
their heart. the problems of the world would become opportunities for service
rather than contention and blame, which seem to premoninate in the political
arena in the USA as well as most, if not all other countries. Oh, how I wish we
could work together for the common good without someone forcing their idea of
what the common good is down our throats. Thurl has a clew. Let's all
look for one as well. Kife will be so much better for us all. Thanks Thurl!
Thanks RNC!
Indiana | 7:32 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Yeah!!! That is just great that they opened with a prayer and asked God to
bless this great meeting. Prayers are NOT just for Church, they are for life;
all of it! God can bless any part and all of our lives.
A deep gratitude for all of the well thought out, kind and reasonable comments on here.
I love and enjoy Thurl Bailey...
A deep gratitude for all of the well thought out, kind and reasonable comments on here.
I love and enjoy Thurl Bailey...
Anti-PC Infidel | 7:51 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
>Did the Democratic Convention include a prayer?
Yes, to their god, themselves.
>but a political meeting?
Yeah, that doesn't happen. Oh, wait. That's what the Founding Fathers did. And that's probably why you don't like it.
>Too bad for you if you're not Christian in the USA.
Actually, too bad for you if you aren't a Christian anywhere. But you can always change, so it's okay.
Yes, to their god, themselves.
>but a political meeting?
Yeah, that doesn't happen. Oh, wait. That's what the Founding Fathers did. And that's probably why you don't like it.
>Too bad for you if you're not Christian in the USA.
Actually, too bad for you if you aren't a Christian anywhere. But you can always change, so it's okay.
John Pack Lambert | 8:00 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
I also have to say Thurl Bailey is a great guy.
Samantha, I sense you would be wanting to know more about Brother Bailey. The Deseret News had a full article on his life and conversion in the Febuary 22nd, 2003 edition. There are some other references as well. Just search "Thurl Bailey" and Mormon in the Deseret News Archieves and you will find them.
Samantha, I sense you would be wanting to know more about Brother Bailey. The Deseret News had a full article on his life and conversion in the Febuary 22nd, 2003 edition. There are some other references as well. Just search "Thurl Bailey" and Mormon in the Deseret News Archieves and you will find them.
Lee Murray | 8:06 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
This nation was built on Jeudo-Christian principles and the majority of
American's have some belief in a higher power. I have been in attendance
at prayers offered by a Jewish Rabbi, a Musulam Iman, many different Christian
leaders and lay people alike and even my sister (a Pegan prayer to the gods of
nature for a blessing on a safe journey). I haven't been offended at the
different types of prayers or the suplication to a higher power on behalf of a
common good.
If some few don't believe in a higher power outside of their own, and choose to be offended at the beliefs of other, I have great pity on them. But let me ask them a question - If God is real (as I strongly believe) let's ask for his blessings. If god is a "figment of popular imagination" what does it harm to come together in higher thought for a cause higher than our own?
Only those not secure in their own belief or though are offended by the beliefs of others. May God bless those in harms way whereever they are and guide those in power to lead us in the common good.
If some few don't believe in a higher power outside of their own, and choose to be offended at the beliefs of other, I have great pity on them. But let me ask them a question - If God is real (as I strongly believe) let's ask for his blessings. If god is a "figment of popular imagination" what does it harm to come together in higher thought for a cause higher than our own?
Only those not secure in their own belief or though are offended by the beliefs of others. May God bless those in harms way whereever they are and guide those in power to lead us in the common good.
Re: Disbelief | 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
This country was founded on a fundamental belief in God, and the freedom to be
able to worship Him whatever way one sees fit. Why not, in a meeting intended to
strengthen the foundations upon which this country is built, open the meeting
not only in gratitude and in need of blessing, but in celebration of the right
we have to pray freely to the God of our choosing both in public and in private?
jimmy5804 | 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Yes, the Democratic Convention ended with a prayer in the stadium. The minister
leading the prayer asked all to end the prayer in the way appropriate for their
own religion so as to not exclude non-christian religions.
Anonymous | 8:13 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
If it weren't for christian principles, we wouldn't be blessed with
the many freedoms the Constitution provides for us as a country. Although, many
of the Founding Fathers didn't belong to a particular church, they all had
a firm belief in God and the Judeo-Christian ethic.
The country was built on christian principles and we need to continue to promote them for us to retain our freedoms. Other religions are welcome, but they must be tolerant of the very principles and ideas that allowed them to come here and enjoy the freedom and bounty of the earth that others have fought and died to preserve.
The country was built on christian principles and we need to continue to promote them for us to retain our freedoms. Other religions are welcome, but they must be tolerant of the very principles and ideas that allowed them to come here and enjoy the freedom and bounty of the earth that others have fought and died to preserve.
PD | 8:18 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Yes, may God bless our country and this election. I'm sure Gustav's
calming down is a direct answer to many prayers.
Re: Disbelief | 8:25 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
It should be noted that our nation was founded upon the absolute belief in the
divine, and despite efforts in our modern culture to remove any religious
practice from the public square, the simple fact remains that our founders
intended to protect the free practice of religion in all public places,
including the political! You will not find the words "separation of Church
and State" anywhere in the constitution and the words of such dignitaries
as Thomas Jefferson, ��God who gave us
life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have
removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of
God?�, among others should be proof enough that our laws
are meant not to remove religion, but welcome it in all its various forms.
You may of coarse, choose not to participate in such exercises, but it is unreasonable to expect many, many millions to follow suit just to appease the few. Feel free to practice any religion (or none at all) you choose, but please allow your fellow countrymen the same liberty.
You may of coarse, choose not to participate in such exercises, but it is unreasonable to expect many, many millions to follow suit just to appease the few. Feel free to practice any religion (or none at all) you choose, but please allow your fellow countrymen the same liberty.
Thanks For Asking... | 8:27 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Shop & Compare asks if the Democratic Convention started with a prayer?
Not only did it start with a prayer, following Obama's speech to 70,000 on Thursday evening, a pastor took the stage and ended the convention with a prayer as well.
That shouldn't surprise you. In case you hadn't notice we Democrats are in need of as much help from the Almighty as Republicans are!
Do appreciate your interest though. Have you compared where our candidate stands on the issues compared to theirs?
Not only did it start with a prayer, following Obama's speech to 70,000 on Thursday evening, a pastor took the stage and ended the convention with a prayer as well.
That shouldn't surprise you. In case you hadn't notice we Democrats are in need of as much help from the Almighty as Republicans are!
Do appreciate your interest though. Have you compared where our candidate stands on the issues compared to theirs?
phoebe | 8:34 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Thurl is an awesome speaker and I am happy that he was asked to offer the
opening prayer at the Republican Convention.
Some Republicans have made such an issue about the LDS Church that I am a little surprised that he was allowed to offer the prayer. I am glad he did.
Some Republicans have made such an issue about the LDS Church that I am a little surprised that he was allowed to offer the prayer. I am glad he did.
Eugene | 8:51 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Thurl is a great choice to offer the prayer at the RNC convention. He is a
great example to our young people.
huh? | 9:17 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
What god did Thurl pray to? Lord of the basketball? Zeus? Goddess of the
hunt? There are thousands and thousands of gods, all of them impotent and
discredited. Did Thurl demonstrate his god's potency so all would quake
and shake in awe?
JenM | 9:24 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
David, I take issue with your statement that you somehow know the hearts of all
Democrats enough to figure out their level of sincerity in prayer and pledge to
country. That is quite a gift you have there. My husband is a democrat, but
loves God and country every bit as much as my conservative, republican family.
I dare say the majority of democrats would fall into the same category. Faith
and freedom are not just loved by republicans--sorry to burst your bubble.
MoJules | 9:26 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
This is like coming home day with the Jazz, an article about Malone and Bailey.
Back when Bailey was still playing or near the end, but before he became a
member of the LDS church, my husband was wheeling through the mall in his
wheelchair and he saw Thurl and asked for his autograph, he was really thrilled
to get that. My husband died in 93, but I still have Thurl's autograph, he
made the day of a young man with great limitations.
Re: Disbelief | 9:28 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Let's remember this is not an official government meeting. It's a
private political party. If you want to start a political party where they do
not offer an invocation to start things off then you are welcome to do so.
WC | 9:52 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Of course they had a prayer at the Democrat convention...it just didn't get
news coverage.
Thank You for Your Prayer(s) | 9:55 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
I, like PD, also believe that Gustav's calming down was a direct answer to
many prayers.
--Rebecca In Louisiana
--Rebecca In Louisiana
Oh Big T | 10:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Say it ain't so! Say you aren't one of them!
Jazz fan | 10:41 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
I'am not from Utah,but Thurl Bailey is a great man. Iliked him very much
when he played for the jazz, and I still think he's a great man. I have
heard him talk, and Sing. He has a very good voice.
I suppose Huckaduckabee,gave him permission to Pray. I just had to say that! all in fun.
I suppose Huckaduckabee,gave him permission to Pray. I just had to say that! all in fun.
Proud Utahn | 10:50 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Thurl was a great choice and I am sure was respectful, sincere, charitable and
patriotic in his prayer.
Quite unremarkable and totally expected in a Republican Party event.
I note that Obama's spiritual mentor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was carefully excluded from any prayers scheduled by the Democrats. His views are the exact opposite of what we got from Thurl Bailey.
I think I will stick with the Republicans, thank you!
Quite unremarkable and totally expected in a Republican Party event.
I note that Obama's spiritual mentor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was carefully excluded from any prayers scheduled by the Democrats. His views are the exact opposite of what we got from Thurl Bailey.
I think I will stick with the Republicans, thank you!
Mars | 11:00 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Thank you Thurl and good job Republican Party! Opening with a prayer was an
inspired idea. And with Mitt out of the running for VP, having a Mormon (and
state of Utah favorite) give that prayer was a very good move. I can't wait
to see Obama lose the election this year!
Anonymous | 11:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
"Disbelief | 6:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
@Marsha - I thought you were joking. I fear you aren't. I'm thinking that's a great way to open a church meeting, but a political meeting? Well, I guess as long as the prayer invokes your religion. Too bad for you if you're not Christian in the USA."
No, actually, too bad for you, Disbelief, if you are not a Christian in America, or anywhere.
And, please, don't think that I'm saying that you're a second-class human being if you're not a Christian. No, we are all the same in God's eyes. However, there is an advantage in believing in true principles because wise behavior flows from wise thinking. And Christ's teachings definitely reflect wise thinking.
I encourage you to study and learn about this "Jesus Christ" in whom you have heard so much of. Learn about Him and when you are ready, ask God if His son is really all he is said to be. All this can be learned by yourself.
I did....
God bless you!
@Marsha - I thought you were joking. I fear you aren't. I'm thinking that's a great way to open a church meeting, but a political meeting? Well, I guess as long as the prayer invokes your religion. Too bad for you if you're not Christian in the USA."
No, actually, too bad for you, Disbelief, if you are not a Christian in America, or anywhere.
And, please, don't think that I'm saying that you're a second-class human being if you're not a Christian. No, we are all the same in God's eyes. However, there is an advantage in believing in true principles because wise behavior flows from wise thinking. And Christ's teachings definitely reflect wise thinking.
I encourage you to study and learn about this "Jesus Christ" in whom you have heard so much of. Learn about Him and when you are ready, ask God if His son is really all he is said to be. All this can be learned by yourself.
I did....
God bless you!
Nancy Lord | 11:32 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
Steve Young gave a prayer at the 2000 Republican National Convention.
SBC re: Disbelief | 11:37 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008
I didn't notice if this was already brought up or not. I believe this is
the 2nd RNC opening prayer given by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints in a row. I think Sheri Dew gave the opening prayer four
years ago. I am with Anonymous above thinking it is kind of ironic.
Also, Sorry to tell you Disbelief. Not only did the RNC and DNC open with prayer, but the United States Supreme Court opens every session with prayer. Each Congress Session opens with prayer, etc., etc., etc. Prayer is a MAJOR part of this nation from the very start (as already documented above) and to this very day. I thank my Heavenly Father that this is still the case!
Sincerely, SBC
A ChristianLDS prayer every morning and night, and multiple times throughout the day.
Also, Sorry to tell you Disbelief. Not only did the RNC and DNC open with prayer, but the United States Supreme Court opens every session with prayer. Each Congress Session opens with prayer, etc., etc., etc. Prayer is a MAJOR part of this nation from the very start (as already documented above) and to this very day. I thank my Heavenly Father that this is still the case!
Sincerely, SBC
A ChristianLDS prayer every morning and night, and multiple times throughout the day.
God of Basketball | 12:09 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
If big-t wanted to pray to the 'Lord of Basketball' that is his
constitutionally protected right. I'll and fight to the death to defend his
right to do it.
Too bad | 12:18 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Too bad the average Republican thinks that Thurl Bailey and his religion is a
cult and non-christian.
Interloper | 12:18 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Considering that 93 percent of delegates to the Republican convention are white,
it is odd to have a black man open the event. Doing so suggests the GOP has
succeeded in becoming diverse, when, in fact, it has not.
Re: Huh? | 1:46 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
For anyone who listened to his prayer, it was obvious to whom he was praying.
You might try it sometime, you might be suprised! I know I was when I prayed for
the first time in my life. It happened with two Mormon missionaries on my living
room floor as we knelt and they coached me on how and too whom, the rest was all
mine! Today, I count that moment a change for the better in my life! And yes, my
first prayer was definately answered as has many others since my first prayer!
Lonnie | 10:55 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Ben Franklin: "I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live the
more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God governs in the affairs of
men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it
probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in
the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the house they labor in
vain that build it" I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without
His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than
the builders of Babel. "I therefore, beg leave to move: "That
hereafter parayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our
deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to
buisness, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to
officiate in that service."
This is just part of Ben Franklin's famous plea for prayer as they deliberated America's future. We need to get to know our Founders a little better. Good for Thurl Bailey and the GOP convention!
This is just part of Ben Franklin's famous plea for prayer as they deliberated America's future. We need to get to know our Founders a little better. Good for Thurl Bailey and the GOP convention!
jazzgirl_51 | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Thurl Bailey is a very religious man. I have a son who suffers with
schizophrenia. Mr. Bailey's songs and inspirational talks have helped him
achieve so much more than his doctors thought he would. He is in college and
works hard. Thank you Mr. Bailey for your example!
Re: huh? | 4:54 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008
Your comment is offensive to put it mildly. Get over yourself... and while you
are at it, Don't Believe Everything You Think.
Charles Taylor | 6:27 p.m. Sept. 20, 2008
Just thought I give some of you head in the cloud people a little douse of
reality. Thurl Bailey is one of the most dishonest people I've ever met.
He owes his employees tens of thousands of dollars and refuses to pay - - is it
because he doesn't have the money - - - heavens no! Watch his wife spend
tens of thousands each month on clothes, jewelry, etc. & you know there is
plenty of money. Look at bank account balances & watch the checks coming in
& you know there is plenty of money, he is just greedy, dishonest, and
thinks he is above the rest of us. I just can't believe that he would
accept a request to pray in public & represent the LDS Church when he is not
worthy to represent a Christian people. The TV stations should pick up this
story but they are scared that Larry Miller will be upset and they will lose
advertising dollars since Thurl is the Jazz commentator. A total joke!!! Lets
see if Deseret News has the guts to post this!
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press
Former NBA player Thurl Bailey, at the podium, leads the invocation at the opening session of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., today.
Related content
- Sting rounds up Utah Co. residents 11:06 p.m.
- Taser suit partially dismissed 11:05 p.m.
- Colts win shootout, stay perfect 11:03 p.m.
- Oregon State helped refine Bronco 11:02 p.m.
- Proctor parent appears in sex case 10:59 p.m.
- Donald Younge convicted of rape 10:57 p.m.
- Farr West probes abduction attempt 10:56 p.m.
- Panel won't close Wolf Canyon Trail 10:54 p.m.
- Judge appointed to judicial panel 10:51 p.m.
- Students want to spruce up alleys 10:42 p.m.
- Susan Powell's family saddened
- Susan Powell notebook seized
- Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons
- Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins
- It's official; Heaps signs with BYU
- Genetic testing, ethical dilemmas
- Watching over the Sacred Grove
- David Archuleta's different mission
- Frances Monson recovering well
- Jazz open road trip with victory
- Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins
152 - It's official; Heaps signs with BYU147
- Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons145
- Letters: 'Liberal conceit'137
- Stay the course with our president120
- Jazz stunned by Timberwolves114
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child113
- Susan Powell notebook seized113
- Josh Powell meets with WVC police109
- Susan Powell's family saddened108
These days, more than half of adults actually want gift cards, those...
Latest comments
Here are some easy predictions for next year: The y will start the season...
But they can cut Social Security and medicare for the elderly with not a bit...
Unless SWA has changed its policy you have to use the ticket within 12 of the...
Gee, there's a shocker: movie dazzles with the eyes, but falls short with...
Leave it to the Ute. He was adding to what Brett was saying, not disputing. I...
Re:concerned "Yes he took you and your brothers camping in the winter, but...
@Not!getitright. Check your history again. SS was kept seperate in it's own...
So sad and the Holidays are upon us. I feel for this family that each year it...
Your comments did not confuse me at all. I refuted your claim plan and...
Welcome to BYU!!! Join the team, work hard, play hard...win a lot!
Advertisements