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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Obama says faith is ‘great cure’ for fear

President Barack Obama closes his eyes while a prayer is made at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. The annual event brings together U.S. and international leaders from different parties and religions for an hour devoted to faith. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Barack Obama closes his eyes while a prayer is made at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. The annual event brings together U.S. and international leaders from different parties and religions for an hour devoted to faith. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama says faith is the “great cure” for the fear that sometimes leads people to do “funny things.”

He says his faith also helps him deal with the “unique elements of my job.”

The president made the comments at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. It’s his final address as president to the annual nondenominational gathering.

He says fear of change and the uncertainty it often brings can lead people to lash out against anyone who’s different.

He says fear can also lead people to give in to despair and it can feed man’s most selfish impulses.