George W. Bush2001-2009

Raised in an Episcopalian household, Bush attended both Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches with his family but did not at the time find his own faith. By 1984, he had a reputation as a frat-boy partier with a young wife, two daughters and a drinking problem. That year, he met an evangelist in Midland, Texas, and became a born-again Christian. But the conversion experience did not immediately change his life or solve his drinking problem.
In 1985, his parents asked the Rev. Billy Graham for help in guiding their son. Their conversations led Bush to rededicate his life to Christ, a pledge that led him to a Bible study class and eventually to give up alcohol entirely. Bush himself recalls: "There is only one reason that I am here in the Oval Office and not in a bar. I found faith. I found God. I am here because of the power of prayer."
When he ran for the presidency in 2000, Bush offered himself as a candidate who promised to restore honor and Christian morality to the White House. He won the support of evangelical and conservative Christians with his openness and willingness to discuss his faith, including a memorable exchange during the Republican primaries. Candidates were asked to name their favorite philosopher, and Bush answered simply, "Christ, because he changed my heart." The moderator responded, "I think the viewer would like to know more on how he's changed your heart." Bush replied: "Well, if they don't know, it's going to be hard to explain. When you turn your heart and life over to Christ, when you accept Christ as a savior, it changes your heart and changes your life. And that's what happened to me."
In his first executive order, Bush created the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, saying, "When we see social needs in America, my administration will look first to faith-based programs and community groups."
Bush's response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks showed a faith in a God who distinguishes and chooses between good and evil. "Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty have always been at war," he said. "And we know that God is not neutral between them." He also made a public plea for tolerance of Muslims and their faith: "The face of terror is not the truth faith of Islam. That is not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace."