PATRICIA IRELAND, CEO, YWCA: Well, I think, first of all, really the YWCA should be a model for faith-based organizations providing services. They don't discriminate based on religion in hiring or in provision of services.
And they do a really good job on battered women's shelters. They're the largest providers in the country. They're the -- one of the largest non-profit, child-care providers, job training. So much that they've done that's good.
And I guess my answer to those who oppose my appointment as CEO is that this is really a decision of the YWCA. They want to strengthen their grassroots to advocate on behalf of women's and children's empowerment and ending racism, and advocacy and grassroots organizing are some of my long suits.
O'REILLY: All right, but why couldn't they get somebody, with all due respect, Ms. Ireland, who had those long suits as well, but wasn't quite as -- you know, it's a tough word -- I don't know what word to use. There are Christians who believe that abortion is OK, and we know that.
IRELAND: Right.
O'REILLY: And there are Christians certainly who live alternative lifestyles. We know that. But you know what I'm talking about here. You don't fit the poster child of Mother Teresa, I mean, and I think that's what's got in their craw here.
IRELAND: Well, I think they're going to have to get over it because the millions of women and girls who are served by the YWCA, I think, are going to find my leadership very strong and very helpful. Like the YWCA, I'm nourished by my roots in the Christian faith, and...
O'REILLY: Are you a Christian?
IRELAND: Well, I think that I am, in fact, coming out of the Christian tradition...
O'REILLY: Well, I mean no. No, no, no, no, no. Now don't spin me. Are you a Christian or not?
IRELAND: Well, now maybe it's because of all the Joe McCarthy news coming out with his papers that that begins to feel a little bit like an inquisition into my religious beliefs.
O'REILLY: No, it's not. I mean a Christian is somebody believes Jesus Christ is God. Do you believe Jesus Christ is God? It's easy.
IRELAND: I come from a Christian faith. I am not going to give you insight into my particular beliefs.
O'REILLY: All right. Now -- but -- but -- OK. And that's fine. I'm not here to give you a hard time about your religious beliefs. But you can understand that if somebody says, hey, the woman won't even say whether she's a Christian. Why is she the president of the Young Women's Christian Association? Are you going to change the name to...
IRELAND: Well, let me suggest to you...
O'REILLY: ... the Young Women's I Don't Know Association?
IRELAND: The Young Women's Christian Association is, in fact, nourished by its roots in Christianity and, at the same time, over the years, it's been enriched by beliefs and values from all kinds of places, even, in fact, strengthened by our diversity...
O'REILLY: All right.
IRELAND: ... but our beliefs...
O'REILLY: Look, if the board thinks that you can help this organization, who am I to say you can't? I would never say that. But, again, it -- I can understand why some Christians are just going what is going on?
Now what is the one thing -- we only have time for one -- one thing that you want to accomplish with this organization, specifically. What is it?
IRELAND: Very specifically, I want to reach young women and to get them involved in the mission of the YWCA, economic empowerment of women and girls, and ending racism.
O'REILLY: All right. Ms. Ireland, we wish you the best and we thank you...
IRELAND: Thank you.
O'REILLY: You're always a -- you know, I have to say you, if you like Ms. Ireland or you don't, fine, but she always steps up and -- she always does, and we respect that. Thank you very much.
And, next, we'll wrap things up with the "Most Ridiculous Item of the Day" and some of your mail.
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