Showing posts with label M. Pence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label M. Pence. Show all posts
Friday, October 21, 2022
Friday, January 24, 2020
Mike Pence and Pope Francis meet in a surprisingly long first visit
Gerard O’Connell
January 24, 2020
Pope Francis greets U.S. Vice President Mike Pence during a private meeting at the Vatican Jan. 24, 2020. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met Pope Francis in the Vatican at noon on Jan. 24, and the two spoke together in private for an hour, a surprisingly long time for an audience with someone who is not a head of state. It was their first meeting.
Pope Francis welcomed the vice president, who was raised Catholic, and then led him into the private library where he receives heads of state and distinguished guests and where he received President Trump on May 24, 2017.
“I wanted to extend the warmest greetings on behalf of President Donald Trump who so enjoyed his visit here,” Mr. Pence told Francis as they sat down.
Pope Francis then engaged in a private conversation with the vice president, with the aid of interpreters. The length of their conversation would suggest that they went into depth on some topics.
The two spoke together in private for an hour, a surprisingly long time for an audience with someone who is not a head of state.
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When they finished their private conversation, Mr. Pence presented his wife, daughter-in-law and other members of his delegation to the pope. The two leaders then exchanged gifts.
Mr. Pence gave the pope a wooden cross carved from a tree on the grounds of the vice president’s residence. Francis gave him a medallion depicting “the angel of peace,” a copy of his message for the World Day of Peace 2020, as well as copies of some of his writings, including “The Joy of the Gospel” and “Laudato Si’.”
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Remarks by Vice President Pence at Ministerial To Advance Religious Freedom
Photo (Courtesy) https://www.dailywire.com/news/33676/mike-pence-religious-freedom-top-priority-trump-paul-bois
Remarks by Vice President Pence at Ministerial To Advance Religious Freedom
Law & Justice
Issued on: July 26, 2018
Harry S. Truman Building
Washington, D.C.
10:17 A.M. EDT
Thank you, Secretary Pompeo. To the Secretary, to Ambassador Brownback, to Administrator Green, Director Mulvaney, to the representatives of more than 80 nations gathered here, and especially to the survivors of religious persecution who honor us by their presence here today: It is my great honor to address this first ever, and first annual, Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. (Applause.)
And I bring greetings from a champion of religious freedom, at home and abroad. I bring greetings this morning, and gratitude for all the efforts represented here, from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)
As President Trump has said on many occasions, the United States of America is a “nation of faith,” and religious freedom is a top priority of this administration.
Since the earliest days of our nation, America has stood for religious freedom. Our earliest settlers left their homes to set sail for a New World, where they could practice their faith without fear of persecution. Our forebears carved protections for religion into the founding charters and their early laws.
And after this great nation secured our independence, the American Founders enshrined religious freedom as the first freedom in the Constitution of the United States. And America has always, and will always, lead the world by our example.
As our first President, George Washington, wrote in his famous letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, he said, and I quote, “The United States of America [has] given to mankind…a policy worthy of imitation,” for here, as he said, “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” We “require only that they who live under [our] protection should demean themselves as good citizens.”
And in the long history of this nation, religious freedom has been our first freedom. But as our Founders knew, this precious liberty is endowed not by government, but by our Creator. And we believe that it belongs not just to the American people, but to all people so endowed. (Applause.)
The right to believe or not believe is the most fundamental of freedoms. When religious liberty is denied or destroyed, we know that other freedoms — freedom of speech, of press, assembly, and even democratic institutions themselves — are imperiled.
That’s why the United States of America stands for religious freedom yesterday, today, and always. We do this because it is right. But we also do this because religious freedom is in the interest of the peace and security of the world.
Thursday, March 01, 2018
Remarks by Vice President Pence at the National Religious Broadcasters’ Annual Convention
White House
REMARKS
Issued on: February 27, 2018
ALL NEWS
Gaylord Opryland Conference Center
Nashville, Tennessee
2:29 P.M. CST
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Well, thank you all. Thank you for that warm welcome.
And, Dr. Jerry Johnson, thank you for that delayed introduction. (Laughter.) Would you give him another round of applause. (Applause.) I really appreciate his leadership and friendship. And I wasn’t quite backstage to hear his introduction, but I heard it was a good one. (Laughter.) And he knows me well enough to know the introduction I prefer is a little bit shorter: I’m a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican — in that order. (Applause.)
And to Chairman Michael Little, to the board, to distinguished guests, and to all of you whose faith and ministries have inspired the hearts of millions, it is great to be back at the 75th Convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. It is an honor to be with “Christian Communicators Impacting the World.” (Applause.)
You know, as a former broadcaster, I’ve known and followed the remarkable work done by NRB and its members for decades in my years as a congressman, as a governor. And I just know in my heart that owing to the support of millions who cherish your ministries and your voices, that I stand before you today, in part, as Vice President of the United States of America. I’m humbled by your support, and grateful on behalf of myself and my family. Thank you. (Applause.)
And I bring greetings from a friend of mine, who knows a thing or two about broadcasting, a tireless champion for the God-given liberties of the American people, and a man who’s also grateful for the support and inspiration that you provide to millions. I bring greetings from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)
Good to be with you all. And I’m also honored to be joined today by a dear friend and a leader whose personal story, whose professional achievements and whose values have inspired countless Americans. Would you join me in welcoming Dr. Ben Carson back to the NRB Convention. (Applause.)
Ben, come on up here and say a word. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CARSON: Thank you. Well, thank you so much. And please be seated. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. This is a man who has so much courage and he speaks for so many, particularly those of us in the faith community. And I want to thank all the other elected officials, but everybody who is just a citizen, because we all have a sphere of influence. And by raising our voices, we really have an impact on what’s going on.
REMARKS
Issued on: February 27, 2018
ALL NEWSGaylord Opryland Conference Center
Nashville, Tennessee
2:29 P.M. CST
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Well, thank you all. Thank you for that warm welcome.
And, Dr. Jerry Johnson, thank you for that delayed introduction. (Laughter.) Would you give him another round of applause. (Applause.) I really appreciate his leadership and friendship. And I wasn’t quite backstage to hear his introduction, but I heard it was a good one. (Laughter.) And he knows me well enough to know the introduction I prefer is a little bit shorter: I’m a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican — in that order. (Applause.)
And to Chairman Michael Little, to the board, to distinguished guests, and to all of you whose faith and ministries have inspired the hearts of millions, it is great to be back at the 75th Convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. It is an honor to be with “Christian Communicators Impacting the World.” (Applause.)
You know, as a former broadcaster, I’ve known and followed the remarkable work done by NRB and its members for decades in my years as a congressman, as a governor. And I just know in my heart that owing to the support of millions who cherish your ministries and your voices, that I stand before you today, in part, as Vice President of the United States of America. I’m humbled by your support, and grateful on behalf of myself and my family. Thank you. (Applause.)
And I bring greetings from a friend of mine, who knows a thing or two about broadcasting, a tireless champion for the God-given liberties of the American people, and a man who’s also grateful for the support and inspiration that you provide to millions. I bring greetings from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)
Good to be with you all. And I’m also honored to be joined today by a dear friend and a leader whose personal story, whose professional achievements and whose values have inspired countless Americans. Would you join me in welcoming Dr. Ben Carson back to the NRB Convention. (Applause.)
Ben, come on up here and say a word. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CARSON: Thank you. Well, thank you so much. And please be seated. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. This is a man who has so much courage and he speaks for so many, particularly those of us in the faith community. And I want to thank all the other elected officials, but everybody who is just a citizen, because we all have a sphere of influence. And by raising our voices, we really have an impact on what’s going on.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Pence casts tie-breaking vote to confirm Brownback as ambassador
By Chad Pergram, Alex Pappas | Fox News
Vice President Mike Pence was summoned to the Senate on Wednesday to break a tie -- twice -- on an ambassadorship nomination for Kansas Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
It’s rare for a vice president to be needed to break a tie, especially for a former senator like Brownback.
Pence had to vote twice: first on a procedural vote to break a filibuster, and then again on the final vote to confirm Brownback.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump to become ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. (Associated Press)
The vote was tied 49-49. Then Pence voted "in the affirmative," making it 50-49.
Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
The last vice president to twice break ties on the same day was Vice President Alben Barkley on October 4, 1949.
The Senate is operating with two Republicans absent. Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is battling cancer, remains out. Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker is at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Under the Constitution, the vice president also serves as president of the Senate and votes in the event of ties.
This is the seventh tie Pence has broken in a little more than a year in office. Former Vice President Joe Biden never had to break a tie during his entire eight years.
Pence cast the tie-breaking ballot to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary last year -- the first time a vice president had ever broken a tie to confirm a nominee.
Alex Pappas is a politics reporter at FoxNews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlexPappas.
Vice President Mike Pence was summoned to the Senate on Wednesday to break a tie -- twice -- on an ambassadorship nomination for Kansas Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
It’s rare for a vice president to be needed to break a tie, especially for a former senator like Brownback.
Pence had to vote twice: first on a procedural vote to break a filibuster, and then again on the final vote to confirm Brownback.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump to become ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. (Associated Press)
The vote was tied 49-49. Then Pence voted "in the affirmative," making it 50-49.
Brownback was nominated by President Donald Trump as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
The last vice president to twice break ties on the same day was Vice President Alben Barkley on October 4, 1949.
The Senate is operating with two Republicans absent. Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is battling cancer, remains out. Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker is at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Under the Constitution, the vice president also serves as president of the Senate and votes in the event of ties.
This is the seventh tie Pence has broken in a little more than a year in office. Former Vice President Joe Biden never had to break a tie during his entire eight years.
Pence cast the tie-breaking ballot to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary last year -- the first time a vice president had ever broken a tie to confirm a nominee.
Alex Pappas is a politics reporter at FoxNews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlexPappas.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Recommendations for the Vice President’s Trip to the Middle East
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2018
Contact: Ninar Keyrouz
Tel: (202) 624-7898
Email: press@indefenseofchristians.org
Washington, DC, January 19– Today, Vice President Mike Pence will travel to the Middle East for a weeklong trip where he will stop in Egypt, Israel and Jordan. It has been reported that on his trip, the Vice President will highlight the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and U.S. efforts to aid persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in the region.
IDC applauds the Vice President’s efforts to advocate for religious freedom for Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, particularly during his trip to Egypt. This year alone, Coptic Christians have suffered through 3 large scale attacks which left dozens dead, seen mob attacks on their communities and have had several churches forcefully closed down or attacked.
During his trip to the Middle East, the Vice President should:
Leverage the hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance that the U.S. gives Egypt annually by pressuring Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi to scale-up security for churches and monasteries in light of recent attacks.
Ensure that Israel protects the religious freedom of all peoples and faith and, in addition, respects the freedom to access all religious sites in the holy city of Jerusalem.
IDC is currently supporting Resolution 673 which reaffirms the importance of the U.S.-Egypt partnership in the region and the fight against terrorism, and encourages the Egyptian government to bring terrorist who have targeted Coptic Christians to justice. It also pushes for Coptic Christians to be given the same rights as other Egyptian citizens.
Source
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Remarks by the Vice President at In Defense of Christians Solidarity Dinner
For Immediate Release
October 25, 2017
Remarks by the Vice President at In Defense of Christians Solidarity Dinner
JW Marriott Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
6:41 P.M. EDT
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Carl. Thank you for your eloquent words. Thank you for that overly generous introduction. To Patriarch Rai, to Patriarch Yazigi (ph), to Archbishop Oshagan, Archbishop Kawak, Metropolitan Joseph, to Mother Olga, all the faith leaders from across the Middle East who are here with us today, to distinguished members of Congress, to all of our honored guests, it is deeply humbling for me to join you here tonight at the Fourth Annual National Advocacy Summit and Solidarity Dinner for an organization that is making a difference in the life of believers all across the world -- In Defense of Christians. Thank you for the honor of joining you today, and thank you for all that you do. (Applause.)
And I bring greetings from my friend of mine and a friend to all who are persecuted for their faith around the globe, the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)
The President asked me to be here tonight because we both believe, along with all of you, that “American leadership” is crucial to “securing the future of Christians in the Middle East” and to protecting all who are persecuted across the wider world.
And under the leadership of President Donald Trump, I can assure you: The United States of America will always stand with those who suffer for their faith, and we will always support them in the hour of their need. (Applause.)
Let me begin this evening by recognizing everyone gathered here for your compassion, for your commitment to those who have refused to be conformed to this world, as the Old Book says, willing to be mistreated outside the city gates for their faith.
Andrew Doran and all the members of In Defense of Christians, thank you. Thank you for your leadership in this noble cause. (Applause.) The Bible tells us that we’ll know followers of Christ by their fruits. Since the founding only three years ago, your work and your testimony has been evident for all to see.
And to Carl Anderson and the Knights of Columbus, thank you for your extraordinary work caring for the persecuted around the world. (Applause.)
And to Mother Olga, thank you for raising your voice on behalf of the victims of persecution in your homeland and across the Middle East. We are all inspired by your faith. (Applause.)
And let me also thank two leaders of Congress in particular who are with us here tonight, two men that I had the opportunity to serve with when I was a member of the House of Representatives. They are tireless defenders of believers across the Middle East and the wider world, my friend Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and the recipient of tonight’s Cedars of God award, my friend Congressman Chris Smith. (Applause.)
And finally, allow me to thank all the faith leaders who traveled from near and far to be with us tonight -- leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Antiochian Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Melkite Catholic Church, the Maronite Catholic Church, and so many other faith traditions from across the Middle East. I had the opportunity to meet with many of these leaders at the White House not long ago. And I know I speak on behalf of everyone here when we look at these great examples of courage and faith, your witness in an inspiration to us all, and it’s an honor to share this evening with you. (Applause.)
October 25, 2017
Remarks by the Vice President at In Defense of Christians Solidarity Dinner
JW Marriott Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
6:41 P.M. EDT
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Carl. Thank you for your eloquent words. Thank you for that overly generous introduction. To Patriarch Rai, to Patriarch Yazigi (ph), to Archbishop Oshagan, Archbishop Kawak, Metropolitan Joseph, to Mother Olga, all the faith leaders from across the Middle East who are here with us today, to distinguished members of Congress, to all of our honored guests, it is deeply humbling for me to join you here tonight at the Fourth Annual National Advocacy Summit and Solidarity Dinner for an organization that is making a difference in the life of believers all across the world -- In Defense of Christians. Thank you for the honor of joining you today, and thank you for all that you do. (Applause.)
And I bring greetings from my friend of mine and a friend to all who are persecuted for their faith around the globe, the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)
The President asked me to be here tonight because we both believe, along with all of you, that “American leadership” is crucial to “securing the future of Christians in the Middle East” and to protecting all who are persecuted across the wider world.
And under the leadership of President Donald Trump, I can assure you: The United States of America will always stand with those who suffer for their faith, and we will always support them in the hour of their need. (Applause.)
Let me begin this evening by recognizing everyone gathered here for your compassion, for your commitment to those who have refused to be conformed to this world, as the Old Book says, willing to be mistreated outside the city gates for their faith.
Andrew Doran and all the members of In Defense of Christians, thank you. Thank you for your leadership in this noble cause. (Applause.) The Bible tells us that we’ll know followers of Christ by their fruits. Since the founding only three years ago, your work and your testimony has been evident for all to see.
And to Carl Anderson and the Knights of Columbus, thank you for your extraordinary work caring for the persecuted around the world. (Applause.)
And to Mother Olga, thank you for raising your voice on behalf of the victims of persecution in your homeland and across the Middle East. We are all inspired by your faith. (Applause.)
And let me also thank two leaders of Congress in particular who are with us here tonight, two men that I had the opportunity to serve with when I was a member of the House of Representatives. They are tireless defenders of believers across the Middle East and the wider world, my friend Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and the recipient of tonight’s Cedars of God award, my friend Congressman Chris Smith. (Applause.)
And finally, allow me to thank all the faith leaders who traveled from near and far to be with us tonight -- leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Antiochian Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Melkite Catholic Church, the Maronite Catholic Church, and so many other faith traditions from across the Middle East. I had the opportunity to meet with many of these leaders at the White House not long ago. And I know I speak on behalf of everyone here when we look at these great examples of courage and faith, your witness in an inspiration to us all, and it’s an honor to share this evening with you. (Applause.)
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Vice President at Catholic Prayer Breakfast: ‘Continue to Be Hands, Feet of Our Savior’
Vice President Mike Pence addresses the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington June 6. (@VP Twitter)
Nation | Jun. 6, 2017
Mike Pence spoke of Catholic legacy in America, said Trump administration is committed to protecting life and liberty June 6.
Matt Hadro and Adelaide Mena
WASHINGTON — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence exhorted those in attendance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday to continue to be a “voice for the voiceless,” after proclaiming that “life is winning” in the nation.
“Life is winning in America. Life is winning through the steady advance of science that continues to illuminate more and more when life begins,” Pence told the audience in Washington, D.C., June 6.
He added that the pro-life cause is advancing also “through the generosity of millions of adoptive families” and “through the compassion of caregivers and volunteers at crisis-pregnancy centers and faith-based organizations.”
Pence addressed an estimated crowd of 1,300 at the 13th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast attended by many Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A., and Bishop Mario Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington.
The vice president stated: “I believe we’ve come to a pivotal moment in the life of our nation, and, indeed, the life of the world. The Catholic community in America has made an enormous difference in the life of this nation.”
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Pence: Trump Prays for Persecuted Christians, Says ISIS Will Be Destroyed
CPPolitics
By Brandon Showalter , CP Reporter May 11, 2017 | 3:36 PM
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence reiterated the support of President Donald Trump for persecuted Christians around the world, noting that both he and the president pray for them and that the Islamic State terror group will be destroyed "at its source."
(Photo: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
More than 600 victims and advocates from 130 countries gathered in Washington D.C. for the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians, May 10, 2017.
Before 600 victims of persecution and advocates for the persecuted church at the Mayflower Hotel for the first ever World Summit In Defense Persecuted Christians sponsored by evangelist Franklin Graham, Pence, who is a devout Christian, called President Trump a "champion" of religious freedom. Pence's presence at the summit, he said, signifies the president's "tangible commitment to reaffirm America's role as a beacon of hope and light and liberty, to inspire the world."
America was, is, and will always be a shining city on a hill, he continued, where people throughout our history have been able to practice their faith openly and freely, he said.
Pence made a point to laud those in attendance who have themselves endured persecution.
(Photo: Twitter/Franklin Graham)
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (R) and Vice President Mike Pence (L) at The World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington D.C. on May 11, 2017.
"Your faith inspires me, it humbles me and it inspires all who are looking on today," Pence said.
"To that number, we are with you, we stand with you, and we are here at this World Summit because of you," he added, speaking on behalf of Trump.
"You have persevered through the crucible of persecution. You refused to be conformed to this world, you have chosen instead to be counted with those outside the city gate for your faith."
He noted that Scripture says that all who follow Christ and desire to live a godly life will be persecuted. Across the world, the Christian faith is "under siege," Pence said, highlighting the oppression and abuses that some 215 million Christians face in over 100 countries.
"Nowhere is this onslaught more evident than the very ancient land where Christianity was born," he noted, referencing various places in the Middle East.
Pence recalled how he spoke recently with a Christian leader from Egypt who described the images he saw when two Coptic churches were bomed on Palm Sunday, specifically the palm fronds worshipers had carried with them in the church marked with the blood of the injured. He also mentioned the atrocities and torture Christians are suffering in places like Syria and Iraq.
"Know today, with assurance, that President Trump sees these crimes for what they are, vile acts of persecution animated by hatred, hatred for the gospel of Christ. And so too does this president know, those who perpetrate these crimes, they are the embodiment of evil in our time."
"He calls them by name, radical Islamic terrorists," Pence said to applause.
"Practitioners of terror harbor a special hatred for followers of Christ, and none more so than the barbarians known as ISIS."
That group is "guilty of nothing short of genocide against people of the Christian faith and it is time the world called it by name."
In Iraq, the Christian population has sharply decreased by 80 percent in the last decade and a half due to the violence. The Christian population in Syria has also dramatically declined in the last six years.
"I can assure you," Pence told the crowd, "you are being carried by the prayers of the faithful across this nation and across the world."
"You have the prayers of our president, and all the American people."
Persecuted Christians have the prayers of the Pence's family, the vice president added, and "the prayers of the president of the United States," he reiterated.
The suffering of Christians in the Middle East has moved the United States of America to act, Pence said. And under President Trump, with the American armed forces cooperating with regional allies, "we will not rest, we will not relent til we hunt down and destroy ISIS at its source."
Protecting religious freedom for people of all faiths is a "foreign policy priority" for the Trump administration, he said.
Franklin Graham closed the session in prayer, thanking God for Vice President Pence, and asking Him to give Pence and President Trump divine wisdom.
Source
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Friday, November 11, 2016
Where Is Mike Pence’s Faith?
He was an outspoken evangelical. Now Trump’s VP pick hides his beliefs under a bushel.
By Craig Fehrman
July 16 2016 1:51 PM
Way back in 1994, when Mike Pence was a twice-defeated candidate for Congress, an unemployed dad trying to launch a syndicated radio show, and an entry on nobody’s VP shortlist, he told a reporter about casting his first vote in a presidential election. It was 1980, Carter vs. Reagan, and Pence could only chuckle that he’d gone with the wrong man. He’d voted for Carter, Pence explained, because he “was a good Christian. Beyond that, there was a sense of, ‘Why would you elect a movie star?’ ”
These days, Pence talks about Reagan a bit differently. During his recent (and successful) audition to be the running mate of a television star, Pence paid Donald Trump the highest sort of Republican praise. “I think he is someone who has connected with everyday Americans like no one since Ronald Reagan,” Pence told reporters.
That Gipper pivot says a lot about how Pence has shifted over the years, as he’s moved from the media to Congress to the Indiana statehouse—how he’s become less candid, less human, and more shamelessly fixated on stoking his career. Pence’s religious beliefs still shape his politics as surely as they did when he voted for Carter. But as part of this transformation, he has alloyed his faith with political expediency, keeping his evangelicalism at the center of his worldview, even as he’s become ever less willing to discuss it.
Pence has a strange conversion narrative. He grew up in a big Irish Catholic family of Democrats in central Indiana, serving as an altar boy, attending parochial schools, and idolizing another liberal president: JFK.
But in 1978, while a freshman at Indiana’s Hanover College, he converted to evangelical Christianity through the influence of a nondenominational fellowship group. “I simply made a personal decision for Christ,” Pence told me in 2012, when I was working on a profile of him after he’d won the gubernatorial race.
Though he was now born-again, Pence’s faith didn’t transform quickly or simply. (Whose ever does?) Post-college, he kept attending Mass and worked as a youth minister at a Catholic church; he even applied to Washington, D.C.’s Catholic University with plans to become a priest. As late as 1994, Pence still described himself as “a born-again, evangelical Catholic.”
Way back in 1994, when Mike Pence was a twice-defeated candidate for Congress, an unemployed dad trying to launch a syndicated radio show, and an entry on nobody’s VP shortlist, he told a reporter about casting his first vote in a presidential election. It was 1980, Carter vs. Reagan, and Pence could only chuckle that he’d gone with the wrong man. He’d voted for Carter, Pence explained, because he “was a good Christian. Beyond that, there was a sense of, ‘Why would you elect a movie star?’ ”
These days, Pence talks about Reagan a bit differently. During his recent (and successful) audition to be the running mate of a television star, Pence paid Donald Trump the highest sort of Republican praise. “I think he is someone who has connected with everyday Americans like no one since Ronald Reagan,” Pence told reporters.
That Gipper pivot says a lot about how Pence has shifted over the years, as he’s moved from the media to Congress to the Indiana statehouse—how he’s become less candid, less human, and more shamelessly fixated on stoking his career. Pence’s religious beliefs still shape his politics as surely as they did when he voted for Carter. But as part of this transformation, he has alloyed his faith with political expediency, keeping his evangelicalism at the center of his worldview, even as he’s become ever less willing to discuss it.
Pence has a strange conversion narrative. He grew up in a big Irish Catholic family of Democrats in central Indiana, serving as an altar boy, attending parochial schools, and idolizing another liberal president: JFK.
But in 1978, while a freshman at Indiana’s Hanover College, he converted to evangelical Christianity through the influence of a nondenominational fellowship group. “I simply made a personal decision for Christ,” Pence told me in 2012, when I was working on a profile of him after he’d won the gubernatorial race.
Though he was now born-again, Pence’s faith didn’t transform quickly or simply. (Whose ever does?) Post-college, he kept attending Mass and worked as a youth minister at a Catholic church; he even applied to Washington, D.C.’s Catholic University with plans to become a priest. As late as 1994, Pence still described himself as “a born-again, evangelical Catholic.”
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