This morning America began a new chapter in its national life, as Senator Barack Obama was elected to serve as the 44th President of the United States. For as much as the USA's political system deservedly receives criticism, today we should appreciate that a great contest has concluded in a remarkable way.President Elect Obama and Senator McCain were generous and gracious in their speeches this morning. Victory and defeat reveal depth and strength of character in both men.
Obama will be tested in office. McCain may slip from our attention. But today's extraordinary speeches will be remembered for the way that both men fought honourably for the causes they believed in. Both deserve our recognition and credit.
Two generations ago, Martin Luther King said "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Character is a difficult trait to define. But we know it when we see it, and I think most would agree we've seen it today.
We pray for the presidency of Barack Obama, for the United States and for the world.
Link to Barack Obama's speech in Grant Park, Chicago http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=N8rQrU3-ghI
Link to John McCain's speech in Arizona http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BE5xPEIBR4w
