Santorum mentioned influence over the operation of the state. Did he REALLY say operation of the state? Influence over, and operation of, are two different things.
There are some functions that are called state functions now but they shouldn’t be state functions (education, adoption, healthcare etc.) It is only in that context that a church would “operate” the state.
Don’t buy into radical separation of church and state - the endgame is the Soviet Union if you do.
"“The idea that church can have no influence or involvement in the operation of the state is absolutely antithetical to the objectives and vision of our country.”
A direct quote from the article and I saw him say it myself on youtube. This last weekend.
"involvement in the operation of the state".