Issues of faith and religion come to the forefront quite often during elections and presidential campaigns. Now that John McCain and Barack Obama have announced their running mates, I thought it would be helpful to provide a "faith snapshot" of their vice presidential picks. Here you can learn about Sarah Palin's faith. This project will be updated as I find additional faith-related statements from the candidates.
Also check out this Complete List of 2008 Presidential Candidates.
Party: Republican
On the Issues: Palin on the Major Issues
Age: 44
Education:
University of Idaho, B.S.
Current Position: Governor of Alaska; Vice Presidential Candidate
Experience: Chairwoman, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; 2-Term Mayor, Wasilla, Alaska; 2-Term City Council, Wasilla, Alaska.
Declared Candidacy: John McCain announced Palin as running mate on August 29, 2008.
Website:
Alaska Governor's Office
Religion/Church: Non-Denominational, Christian
Sarah Palin was raised in the Assemblies of God denomination, however, a spokesperson for the McCain-Palin campaign told the Associated press, she now attends different churches and does not consider herself a Pentecostal. In high school she led her local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group.
According to a report in the National Catholic Reporter, today Palin frequents an independent Christian church known as Church on the Rock, located in Wasilla, Alaska. It has also been reported by an Associated Press religion writer, that Palin sometimes attends Juneau Christian Center in Juneau, Alaska. And in this Time article, the Palin's place of worship is said to be the Wasilla Bible Church.
When early testing showed that Palin's fifth child would be born with Down syndrome, Palin's pro-life stance and undoubtedly her Christian faith, kept her from ever considering ending the pregnancy. When little "Trig" was born, Sarah told the Anchorage Daily News, "she was sad at first but they now feel blessed that God chose them." This press statement from the Palin family explains in more detail:
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"Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed."
Michael Paulson, religion writer for the Boston Globe put together this faith perspective called, "Sarah Palin on faith, life and creation." In it he includes this portion of a 2006 Anchorage Daily News article:
- "Her Christian faith, they say, came from her mother, who took her children to area Bible churches as they were growing up (Sarah is the third of four siblings). They say her faith has been steady since high school, when she led the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and grew stronger as she sought out believers in her college years. Palin doesn't brandish her religion on the campaign trail, but that doesn't prevent others from doing so."
A longtime Alaska resident, Chas St. George, said, "Wearing her faith quietly fits more with Palin's personality."
• Background & Religious Bio of Sarah Palin
• Beliefnet God-o-Meter on Sarah Palin
• US Conservative Politics, Profile of Sarah Palin
Democrats
Barack Obama - United Church of Christ
Joe Biden (Coming Soon) - Roman Catholic
Republicans
John McCain - Christian
