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."
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.
Confidence, I have not in him.
Just trying to be diplomatic. I know. You ask "Why"? It's not really my nature. I'll cut it out now.
Episcopalian snob.
You sound like someone who's more worried about what those who disagree with you on the vasty majority of issues think, than those that agree with you on 90% of everything.
That's not only bizarre, its ridiculous.
The discretionary, non-war, non-calamity portion of Bush's budgets have gone up less than the inflation rate.
Every single one.
No, we will stay. Those who are offended by the Christian presence in the Republican party, should feel right at home in the Dem's party.
Thanks for the link. Whenever I hear the word Danforth I remember Waco. I will never forget.
Still waiting on an answer about flip flopping christian leaders.
I'm confused, John - I thought that the Republican Party has been taken over by the neocons. Oops - I guess that it's only the White House and the entire defense and diplomatic establishments and policies of the United States that have been taken over by a Jewish cabal. Never mind...
Oh really now..........YOU couldn't agree more.
Tell me, hotshot, just how evangelical, conservative Christians are "divisive". This I've GOT to hear, sport.
I'm popping some corn and sharpening the front fangs for you, boy.
They're out early and they are out in force...
May God bless the Founding Fathers,
May God bless the President,
And may God bless the United States of America!
Back at ya...If it were not for the fiscal conservative segment, (Club for Growth, et al), religious fanatics would not win elections. Try winning one on a solely religious platform.
I can't say I'm sorry to see them go.
Danforth is not the Republican Party. Danforth, whatever Christian credentials he may claim, has been compromised/worn down to the point of irrelevance. The Republican Party is as big enough for Christians as the Democrats are for homosexuals, libbers, enviro whackos, etc. If not for Christians than what others groups does the Republican Party represent?
You bet. We have been around 2,000 years. Republicans have only been around since Lincoln. I am not worried. And my future is in heaven, so how many elections we win is not the issue. It the imprint we make on the moral climate to avoid the mistakes of previous societies.
Now if you are not worried about your future, continue to vote for for Democrats or your Evangelical free Republicans.
Frankly with all the bru ha ha about the Meirs nomination I don't care if another Republican wins any election.
I may go join the Amish. They are not going anywhere. Suppose I will have to get rid of the arsenal tho. They are pacifists.LOL.
Don't expect the "real conservatives" or whomever these people are who are consumed with destruction. I'm just happy that the President got Danforth out of the UN and sent him home. As I recall, Danforth was none to happy about that...I guess he figures it was the evangelical Christians who were responsible :)
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