Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley receives a standing ovation as he walks to the podium in the Old House Chamber to swear in members of his cabinet and staff on Tuesday at the Capitol in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Julie Bennett)MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley apologized Wednesday for his inauguration day remarks about only Christians being his brothers and sisters and said he would work over the next four years for people of all faiths and colors.
Bentley said he didn’t mean to insult anyone with comments he made from the pulpit of a church once led by Martin Luther King Jr. He said he was speaking as an evangelical Christian to fellow Baptists.
“If anyone from other religions felt disenfranchised by the language, I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended anyone in any way,” Bentley said Wednesday.
Bentley spoke with reporters after meeting with several members of Alabama’s Jewish community and other faith leaders at his Capitol office.
The Southern Baptist deacon says he will be a governor for everyone, not just Christians.