Catholic presidential candidates share views on faith, policy

Published: 2007-04-26

NEWTON, Mass. (CNS) -- Two Catholic senators and presidential candidates shared their views on their faith and how it affects their public policy decisions April 23 at Boston College's Conte Forum in Newton. "My faith has had a huge influence on me," particularly the teaching of Catholic social justice, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., told the crowd of nearly 4,000. However, he underscored that "faith informs my decisions. It doesn't define my decisions." Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., also said his faith is "a big part of the decision-making process," but he noted that most of his views predate his joining the Catholic Church four years ago. Both senators agreed that all too often the concept of the separation of church and state has stymied the discussion of faith in regard to public policy. "I think we've made a huge mistake" not talking about faith in the public sector, said Dodd. "People confuse the notion of having faith-based policy and replacing policy with faith beliefs." The separation of church and state is necessary, Brownback said, but it "shouldn't be a wall so high that we can't meet to talk."

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