Contact: Natalie Bell, Media Coordinator, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000 ext. 126

WASHINGTON, July 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- CWA Founder and Chairman Mrs. Beverly LaHaye said, "Jesse Helms was not only a dear friend and a friend of CWA, he was a statesman who fought fearlessly for family and moral values. He was a staunch defender of the sanctity of life, and he stood against the onslaught of those who would grant special rights to the sexually confused and broken. He weathered the kinds of storms and personal attacks under which others have quickly caved.

"Jesse Helms is a culture war hero, and as a nation we are indebted to him. Our prayers are with Jesse's family during this time."

CWA President Wendy Wright said, "Sen. Jesse Helms courageously represented the true beliefs of mainstream America. He was beloved by those who were grateful for his profound respect for America and the religion and morality that underpins this great country. We extend our condolences to his family as we rejoice in knowing he has reached his true home."

Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of CWA's Beverly LaHaye Institute, said, "How noteworthy that Senator Jesse Helms died on this hallowed date in American history, the same date as former patriots John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Like John Adams, he had his contemporary detractors, but history will show what a great champion he was for conservative values. No senator in modern times has done more than this giant of liberty to protect those values of freedom that are the foundation of America. We mourn his passing while celebrating his extraordinary life."