After Pat Robertson asserted that Haiti had been hit by yesterday's devastating earthquake because of a pact with the devil--which, according to Hatian lore, was made in 1791 by leaders of a slave revolt in exchange for victory over the French--Christian Broadcasting Network responded to some of the controversy with a clarifying statement: that Robertson has shown compassion toward the people of Haiti, that he never said the earthquake was God's wrath, and that "this history [the legend of the Devil pact], combined with the horrible state of the country, has led countless scholars and religious figures over the centuries to believe the country is cursed." Here's the statement from CBN spokesman Chris Roslan:

On today's The 700 Club, during a segment about the devastation, suffering and humanitarian effort that is needed in Haiti, Dr. Robertson also spoke about Haiti's history. His comments were based on the widely-discussed 1791 slave rebellion led by Boukman Dutty at Bois Caiman, where the slaves allegedly made a famous pact with the devil in exchange for victory over the French. This history, combined with the horrible state of the country, has led countless scholars and religious figures over the centuries to believe the country is cursed. Dr. Robertson never stated that the earthquake was God's wrath. If you watch the entire video segment, Dr. Robertson's compassion for the people of Haiti is clear. He called for prayer for them. His humanitarian arm has been working to help thousands of people in Haiti over the last year, and they are currently launching a major relief and recovery effort to help the victims of this disaster. They have sent a shipment of millions of dollars worth of medications that is now in Haiti, and their disaster team leaders are expected to arrive tomorrow and begin operations to ease the suffering.



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