President Bush spoke to the annual Southern Baptist Convention on several issues, including the American education system, the use of federal funds for abortion, a constitutional amendment allowing prayer in public schools, and the administration’s anti-crime bill. While discussing the buildup before the Persian Gulf war, President Bush recounted praying with his wife and a minister before ordering the bombing of Iraq by allied planes. He brushed tears out of his eyes during the anecdote, while the convention’s delegates applauded heavily.