Adding Background to text

Hello, I am wanting to add a solid white background to this but I am sorta new so I am not sure how to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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<span style="color: #00000;"><em>Bridge 45 is the bridge between our children’s and youth ministries. Our goal is to give the students the desire and tools they need to study the Bible for themselves. It is a ministry that fits them-their likes, lives and learning styles. By separating the older students from the younger students, we’ll be able to challenge them to think more deeply, guide them in studying the Bible, and better prepare them for life in these “bridge” years.</em></span>

<span style="color: #000000;"><em>Click <a href="http://www.bridge45.com/parents-2/mission-statement/"><span style="color: #000000;">HERE</span></a> for Bridge 45's Mission Statement</em></span>

<span style="color: #000000;"><em>Click              for Bridge 45's Core Values</em></span>