“Separation of Church and State” is a valued constitutional declaration that has been customary throughout American history. The majority of presidential candidates take a “universal” or “national” religion, lending their policies to a wide range of creeds and denominations. However, Texas Governor Rick Perry has often intentionally presented a strong Christian image in an effort to win over conservative Christian supporters that comprise a large portion of the Republican Party supporters. On the opposite spectrum, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has received endless scrutiny concerning the inherent values instilled in his religious persona. Romney, a faithful Mormon, has effortlessly asserted that, if elected, he does not intend to press his religious values in his policy. However, popular speculation suggests that religious beliefs are inevitably linked to moral values, which comprise the basis of a candidate’s policies. Religion and “faithful voters” will have a significant impact in the 2012 primary elections.
During a speech at Virginia’s Liberty University, Perry addressed secular humanists that value “separation of Church and State” as a vital American tradition. Perry proclaimed, “America is going to be guided by some set of values - the question is going to be whose values, I would suggest … it is those Christian values that this country was based upon. (Dan Gilgoff).
Some close to Perry suggest he views his campaign as a “calling” from God. Kelly Shackelford, an influential conservative activist in Texas, stated that Perry was reluctant to commit to the campaign. However, his beliefs were reaffirmed by what he perceived to be the “Lord’s calling” (Dan Gilgoff).
Perry has expressed his intent to apply Christian values to his policies concerning various conservative hot topics, such as abortion and gay marriage. After taking office in 2000 as Texas State Governor, Perry has signed several laws requiring parental consent to be presented upon any female minors request for an abortion. He has also cut a portion of Planned Parenthood funds and passed a law forcing all women seeking abortions to view a sonogram of the fetus prior to the procedure (Dan Gilgoff). Kelly Shackelford comments, “He has passed 20-odd pieces of pro-life legislation, He was vilified by the media for it, and he didn’t stand his ground [just] because it was a good policy position. It really all emanated from his faith” (Dan Gilgoff).
In response to the pro-life legislation passed by Perry, Planned Parenthood claims, “As governor of Texas, Rick Perry has pursued a single-minded agenda: Take away women's health care, destroy Planned Parenthood, and block women's access to safe abortion care” (Dan Gilgoff). If elected, will Perry blur the boundaries between Church and State policies that have built the foundation of our legislation?
In the past, Mitt Romney has vehemently attempted to convince voters that his private religious faith will not be a dominant factor throughout his presidency if elected. However, after his election to state Governor of Massachusetts, Romney has downplayed his faith throughout his service. However, during a speech in December 2007, Romney, relating to Catholic president John F. Kennedy, stated, “Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for president, not a Catholic running for president,” Romney said. “Like him, I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith” (Jessica Ravitz).
Romney has asserted that he will not abandon his Mormon faith in order to further his political career. He has expressed that he does not intend to be a “spokesperson” for his faith and that no president should represent “one religion, group, or interest” (Jessica Ravitz).
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