President George W. Bush, a United Methodist who does not regularly attend church in Washington, has been named "Methodist Layman of the Year" by an evangelical United Methodist group

Christian Century, Jan 16, 2002

President George W. Bush, a United Methodist who does not regularly attend church in Washington, has been named "Methodist Layman of the Year" by an evangelical United Methodist group. In announcing its choice, Good News took a swipe at denominational leaders for not supporting the war on terrorism.

"President Bush represents the mainstream of United Methodism--and indeed historic Christianity--in a way that many denominational leaders do not," said James V. Heidinger II, president-publisher of Good News magazine. "In weighing the moral issues of good and evil, war and compassion, George W. Bush was vigilant to ensure that the tenets of just war were followed," added Steve Beard, editor-in-chief of Good News. Bush was raised Episcopalian but moved to the United Methodist Church after marrying his wife, Laura. He regularly attended Methodist services in Texas but has decided not to join a Methodist church in Washington, reportedly opting instead to worship at the chapel at Camp David, where he spends most weekends.