Posted on 10/26/2005 6:29:55 PM PDT by jern
Danforth Criticizes Christian Sway in GOP Oct 26 8:51 PM US/Eastern Email this story
By DANIEL CONNOLLY Associated Press Writer
LITTLE ROCK
The influence of evangelical Christians in the Republican Party hurts the organization and divides the country, former U.S. Sen. John Danforth said during a visit to the Bill Clinton School of Public Service on Wednesday.
Danforth, a former Republican senator from Missouri and an Episcopal priest, met with students during a seminar and held a luncheon talk at the graduate school.
"I think that the Republican Party fairly recently has been taken over by the Christian conservatives, by the Christian right," he said in an interview after his talks. "I don't think that this is a permanent condition but I think this has happened, and that it's divisive for the country."
He also said the evangelical Christian influence would be bad for the party in the long run.
Republican National Committee spokeswoman Tracy Schmitt declined comment.
Danforth, who recently served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, made similar criticism of the party in an opinion article published by the New York Times in June. In that article, he called for religious moderates to take part in public life.
People of faith have an obligation to be in politics, he said.
"I think the question arises when a political party becomes identified with one particular sectarian position and when religious people believe that they have the one answer, that they understand God's truth and they embody it politically," he said.
"Nothing is more dangerous than religion in politics and government when it becomes divisive," he said. "I'll give you examples: Iraq. Northern Ireland. Palestine."
Danforth, considered a conservative on social issues, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1976 and served three terms. In his final term he played a key role in defending Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas against claims of sexual harassment during bitter confirmation hearings. Thomas eventually was confirmed.
Under Democratic President Bill Clinton, Danforth was appointed special counsel in an investigation of the deadly 1993 siege at the Branch Davidian complex in Waco, Texas.
The current President Bush appointed Danforth as special peace envoy to Sudan and later as ambassador to the United Nations.
Danforth was sworn in as ambassador in July 2004 and resigned in January. Wednesday, Danforth cited his age _ now 69 _ and his desire to move back to his St. Louis home as his reasons for leaving.
He most recently has worked for the Bryan Cave law firm in St. Louis. Former U.S. Sen. David Pryor, D-Ark. and dean of the Clinton School for Public Service, invited him to visit the school.
The school, housed in a remodeled red brick train station on the grounds of the Clinton presidential library, opened in August and currently has 16 students enrolled in its two-year master's degree program. It is a branch of the University of Arkansas.
"I thought that the students were bright and highly motivated and it was encouraging to have the opportunity to spend some time with them," Danforth said. "I thought the physical facilities were wonderful."
The school plays an important role, he said.
"I think it's important to encourage and inspire people who have an interest in public service and to equip them for public service," he said. "But in my view more important than any particular curriculum item is to be encouraged and strengthened as somebody who wants to participate in public service."
Yep the republican party should go back to the days when they were a country club party and always a minority party. Ah yes!!!! Those were the good ole days!
BZZZTT!
Try again.
The "religious segment" is also among the "fiscal conservative segment."
WHOOOOA now, hoss.........don't you dare go spouting the truth here. Seems some will get upset with you.
In fact, I think some day Christians might want to form their own society, separating themselves from the godless secularists that have so screwed up our country. Look for great numbers of genuine Christians wishing to bring up their children in a God-pleasing environment instead of one run by Satan's followers. It could be done if evangelical pastors will take the lead.
Can't think of any negative situations under athiestic governments??? Communism has murdered 100,000,000 people or so...maybe that's as bad as Northern Ireland....
Excellent point.
As much as the principle of "big tent" is hated by many here on Free Republic, it does win elections when a political party works together.
I'm not of the Christian conservative mold...and I'm not of the country club Republican mold. But I believe in the GOP as a whole and I believe that just about any GOP'er is better than any Dem.
What it is ~ I have the sackcloth and ashes concession, and any Episcopals who want to repent can stop by, cross my palm with a T-bill or two, and we'll initiate discussions on how to make their way back to the fold.
John Danforth has an opinion, I don't put much stock in.
That's certainly nothing to brag about even if it was true.
There is ALWAYS heavy deficit spending in wartime.....always has been, always will be.
My guess is he is talking about Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Jim & Tammie Faye Baker, and Jimmy Swaggert.
Moral Absolutes Ping.
Interesting discussion on the thread. Danforth, pardon my blunt language, is an arrogant *******. Ordained Episcopalian. Whoop de doo. Any normal person would be ashamed, not proud - unless they were fighting from within.
Freepmail me if you want on/off this pinglist.
Christian conservatives could form their own party. In New York, there is already a Right to Life Party that occupies a line on the ballot.
But by doing so, you will immediately marginalize yourselves. You'll be lucky to win any elections anywhere. You will lose much of the influence you've gained in the GOP.
If you're OK with that and believe it's the route you need to take, then you should go that way
In no way I'm I saying "Don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out". All, I'm saying is that if you're OK with losing your influence because you don't want to be associated with Satan's followers, then you better leave.
I knew by the title of the article that he was an Episcopal. Didn't even need to bother to read it.
The issue is the definition of "discretionary."
It must be. He brags about it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.