By Lee Speigel

Jun 15, 2008 12:44pm

George and Laura Bush in Paris Church

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl reports: A few blocks off the Champs Elysees, at the American Cathredral of the Holy Trinity, President Bush heard a sermon this morning reminscent of his daughters’ speech at the Republican convention in 2004. In fact, the sermon was delivered by an American teenager who looks and sounds a bit like Jenna Bush.

She gave testimony about her involvement in the "uncool" American Cathedral youth group here in Paris and how it brought her closer to God.

At one point, she said, "I know not everybody here today is a demure, wine-refusing, sex-denying fundamentallist."  She told the worshippers she is heading off to Lewis and Clark College, where she looks forward to telling her "smart, cool, chill, anti-Christy college friends" about her love for God.

She candidly spoke of her less-than-perfect behavior: "Sometimes wear slutty clothes … I have made out with one or two boys" on church retreats … "taken substances definitely not approved by the youth ministry" … etc.

But that is OK, she said, God loves her anyway.

The Church filled up considerably, about 150 in attendence.

It took a little longer than usual to exchange greetings of peace because so many wanted to say "peace be with you" to Bush.

Today is "Rite 13 Sunday," where the cathredral celebrates its "celebrities" — those in its youth program who have turned 13.

The service, of course, is off camera.

But afterwards, Bush walked down the church steps with Laura, to cameras, and made a short statement:

"Laura and I had the joy of worshipping here in Paris." He said his thoughts and prayers are with flood victims back home. "I know there’s a lot of people hurting right now." He also wished a happy father’s day to all the fathers listening, adding, "so, Dad, if you are listening, happy Father’s Day."

User Comments

Google George W. Bush, Victor David Ashe, and Leola McConnell, and see what comes up… SHOCKING!!!

Posted by: patriot | June 15, 2008, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm

YIKES!!! But why does that not surprise me?

Posted by: Amanda | June 15, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm

I am glad that she likes France, I personally would not like to live there!
-armine

Posted by: Armine Abrahamyan | June 16, 2008, 7:13 am 7:13 am

I LOVE FRANCE . FRANCE WAS RIGHT ABOUT THE WAR IN IRAK!!!!!!

Posted by: mary cheney | June 18, 2008, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm

But Mary, you are wrong about the spelling of ‘Irak’!

Posted by: Mike | June 18, 2008, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm

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