Blair says U.S., Europe share mission to spread justice, liberty

Published: 2007-10-19

NEW YORK (CNS) -- America and Europe must stand together against terrorism and make it their shared mission to spread justice and liberty throughout the world, the former prime minister of Great Britain said Oct. 18. "The values we have are not our property. They are our gift to the world," Tony Blair said in his keynote speech at the 62nd annual dinner of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Blair was given two standing ovations by the 1,100 participants at the black-tie event that raises funds for health care initiatives of the Archdiocese of New York. The formally dressed philanthropists, politicians and clergy heard some good jokes and some inspiring words during the evening, but they did not hear Blair, an Anglican, announce that he will become a Catholic, as some had speculated. Blair's wife, Cherie, and the couple's children are Catholic and he regularly attends Mass with them.

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