WASHINGTON -- Embattled former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, invoking the ''glory of God,'' urged religious conservatives Tuesday to stand against an American culture the Texas congressman said is hostile to Christianity.

''Our faith has always been in direct conflict with the values of the world,'' Delay said in a speech to politically active religious conservatives. ''We are, after all, a society that provides abortion on demand, has killed millions of innocent children, degrades the institution of marriage and all but treats Christianity like some second-rate superstition.''

DeLay, facing political corruption charges in his home state, was one of several prominent Republicans to address a ''War On Christians'' conference sponsored by Vision America, a group founded by the Rev. Rick Scarborough, a fellow Texan and key organizer of ''values voters'' in the 2004 presidential election.

Quoting extensively from the Bible and religious writings, DeLay agreed with conference organizers that ''of course, there is a war on Christianity'' in America today. But ''no matter how cowardly the evil before us may be, it is nothing compared to the power and glory of God,'' the Houston-area congressman said.

Scarborough, the longtime minister of a 27-acre Baptist church near Houston, alluded to DeLay's legal difficulties and offered encouragement as the lawmaker exited the event. ''God always does his best work right after a crucifixion,'' Scarborough said.

DeLay was indicted six months ago on conspiracy and money laundering charges linked to fundraising activities by his Texans for a Republican Majority political action committee ahead of the 2002 state legislature elections. The conspiracy charge was thrown out by a state court, but prosecutors have appealed in an attempt to get it reinstated.

He has denied any wrongdoing and has charged that the indictment was politically motivated, designed to undercut his political power in Washington and Texas. Once the second highest ranking Republican in the House, DeLay was forced to step aside from his position after the indictment but remains a member of Congress.

DeLay's activities in Congress have also come under the scrutiny of a federal anti-corruption task force that brought charges against the congressman's longtime friend, former Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff.