GOP Includes Christian Right but Stresses Party Diversity
by Fred Jackson and Bill Fancher
August 31, 2004
(AgapePress) - The Republicans so-called "big tent" philosophy appears to be in high gear in New York, including the promotion of religious diversity.Some believe the GOP leadership is anxious to demonstrate that the Republican Party gives no special status to conservative evangelical Christianity. The variety of religious groups who were asked to offer prayers during yesterday's convention opening would seem to confirm that effort.
Conservative evangelicals such as Joni Eareckson Tada were certainly part of the mix. Her prayer was unapologetically offered in the name of "our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ." Also, a Mormon representative prayed "We love thee, Father, and we thank thee for loving us."
Then there was a Muslim imam, who read from the Koran. Part of his message was, "Whoever obeys God and his messenger will indeed achieve a mighty success." Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that the GOP's drive to win over Roman Catholic voters is in high gear as well, with daily masses, a private briefing from the party chairman, and special hospitality suite in the convention hall.
And, not forgetting the GOP's conservative evangelical Christian base, the Republican convention organizers have also modified the speaker's list to reflect more of that element than was originally planned. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas is scheduled to speak at 9 p.m. (Eastern) on Tuesday, and he points out that he is not the only pro-life Republican who will be taking the podium.
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Senator Sam Brownback |
Brownback notes that others slated to speak at the convention include Senators Rick Santorum and Bill Frist, and House Speaker Denny Hastert, who are all committed pro-lifers. And, the Kansas senator adds, "of course the President is, and he's the ultimate spokesman for the party."But the senator notes that convention planners "are putting a number of pro-choice speakers up as well, showing the diversity of the overall party." He feels the GOP leaders are working hard to demonstrate the broad range of thought and variety of background among the nation's Republicans, including the moderates.
"I think they're doing a good job of providing a mix and showing the breadth and strength of this party," Brownback says, "and also, in the party platform process, having a very clear position that this is where we stand -- it's a conservative party."
The senator from Kansas believes that conservatism is reflective of the vast majority of Americans. Brownback contends that, far from snubbing conservative Christian speakers at the national convention, the GOP is trying to give them a voice while showing the party's overall diversity.
