BY SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Prayers of forgiveness were on the lips of area clergy Sunday for the man whose name is on the lips of the rest of the nation.
Church leaders urged congregations to pray for President Clinton two days after the release of a lurid report that detailed his sexual escapades with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
As the country reeled from the graphic nature of independent counsel Kenneth Starr's report, ministers asked for repose.
"We need to be in prayer for President Clinton and his family," said the Rev. Gregory Stover, pastor of Sharonville United Methodist Church. He also asked the congregation to pray for the wisdom of members of Congress so that they not rush to judgment on Mr. Clinton's future and asked God to mend hurt caused by the president's actions.
"We pray as a nation in this time of crisis that we can take the high road," the Rev. Mr. Stover said. "We pray for President Clinton and for your forgiveness so it can come into his life and your healing can come into his family as well."
The president's mistakes, he said, were a sign of the road the country is taking. "President Clinton's crisis is reflective of the way we've become lax in our values and morals," the Rev. Mr. Stover said.
He urged the church followers not to get caught up in the "hoopla" but "as a nation reflect on our values."
At Rockdale Baptist Church in Avondale, pastor Rousseau O'Neal decided to include prayers for forgiveness for Mr. Clinton in his sermon after reading excerpts from Mr. Starr's report published Saturday.
"What the man needs is prayer," the Rev. Mr.O'Neal said before service began. "I do believe, with his latest comments, that he is genuinely sorry and embarrassed."
The faithful need to accent their roles, he added.
"Anybody can beat someone or whop someone when they're down. But it takes a special person to lift someone up."
At Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Clifton, pastor Eric Jon Perrell urged church members to pray for the country's leaders as they decide what to do with Mr. Starr's report.
"For people in authority, we're asking to forgive, let go, move on," the Rev. Mr. Perrell said. "For that is what you call justice."
