Karen Bass praises Church of Scientology in 2010 video

Resurfaced video shows California congresswoman Karen Bass praising the Church of Scientology for its “commitment…to make a difference,” according to the website The Daily Caller.

“This day and this new Church of Scientology is an exciting moment because I know your goal and your commitment is truly to make a difference,” Bass said at the ceremony, which was led by Scientology president David Miscavige.

The California congresswoman, who has emerged as a leading contender to become presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate, made the comments in 2010 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Scientology church in Los Angeles.

“The Church of Scientology I know has made a difference, because your creed is a universal creed and one that speaks to all people everywhere,” continued Bass, who went on to praise Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Bass, 66, was serving in the California General Assembly at the time when she spoke at the event.

The congresswoman took to Twitter Saturday to clarify that she is a member of a Baptist church.

Scientology has long been considered to be a highly controversial new religious movement. Former Scientologists have accused it of operating as a cult, while others have detailed rampant sexual abuse and a culture of intimidation.

This isn't the first controversial statement made by Bass. 

In 2016, she described the death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro as "a great loss to the people of Cuba."

During a recent interview on MSNBC, Bass said she regrets using the phrase.

Biden says he plans to make a VP pick next week.