Political Friendships
Allin and Vice President Bush at the White House, 1981. The two men first met in 1963 after Allin offered the prayer at the opening of the congressional session. Although Bush and Allin did not always agree on political policy or strategy, they maintained a friendship full of lively debate.
A Bishop at the White House
In his quest for involvement in peacemaking and policymaking, Allin corresponded with presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan and was invited to the White House on various occasions. It was still a time in American politics when mainstream Protestantism held sway over fundamentalism. Most important to Allin was his pastoral and personal relationship with President George H. W. Bush. Allin was a spiritual advisor to Bush throughout both his vice presidency and presidency. In their correspondence, Allin would submit what he called “Impressions/Reflections” to Bush, commenting and making recommendations on everything from Bush’s public persona to his campaign strategy to his policymaking. In Allin’s retirement, he spent the summers serving as vicar of St. Ann’s, Kennebunkport, Maine, where Bush was a member of the vestry.
When it came to policy and politics, Allin pulled no punches with his friend, Bush. In 1991, Allin delivered a sermon at St. Ann’s, Kennebunkport, admonishing US policymakers and advising them to focus on domestic issues. The message was seen as directed at Bush, who was present. The sermon made the national newspapers in an article entitled “A word to the wise: cleric tailors Sunday message to fit chief executive.” Gov. Bill Clinton’s Chief of Staff, William H. Bowen, a fellow Arkansan, sent a clipping of the news article to Allin, stating, “You’re right! The World Methodist Mission… invited withdrawal from 'preoccupation' with foreign aid/entanglements…. The Lutheran Church has assumed the same position. Hope the Episcopal Church will do the same.”
A congratulatory letter from Richard Nixon on Allin’s election to the office of Presiding Bishop, 1974.
Allin watches Ronald Reagan sign the National Day of Prayer Proclamation, 1982.
With Jimmy Carter, c.1976.
With Gerald Ford, 1975.
With George Bush, 1988.
With George and Barbara Bush at St. Ann’s, Kennebunkport, 1992.