“I really admire several other Republican candidates for certain special qualities of their own... But I have gradually focused in on Mitt Romney as best representing what I would like to see in a President during the next four years...
“I have decided to endorse a presidential candidate much earlier than I had hoped to do so. That additional reason is that his religion has been treated unfairly, and I did not want to stand by and let that happen. It is important to nip that evil in the bud. That factor has influenced my timing. But it is not an adequate reason for endorsing a man who would be president in perilous times.
“I have watched Mitt Romney’s steadiness under fire, and I endorse it.”
"Michael Novak received the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion (a million-dollar purse awarded at Buckingham Palace) in 1994, and delivered the Templeton address in Westminster Abbey." He has received many other awards.
"Theologian, author, and former U.S. ambassador, Michael Novak currently holds the George Frederick Jewett Chair in Religion and Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C."
"His writings have appeared in every major Western language, and in Bengali, Korean and Japanese... Mr. Novak has written some 25 influential books in the philosophy and theology of culture". Mr. Novak is a highly respected Catholic.
Another former U.S. Ambassador, Mel Sembler, who is the former U.S. Ambassador to Italy, also endorsed Mitt Romney: Mel Sembler's statement
“People will be practical, and they will make judgments based on the alternatives,” says Richard John Neuhaus, a Catholic intellectual who is widely respected by Protestants. “From what I’ve seen of Romney, I’m very favorably impressed — ... I could support him.”
“I don’t do political endorsements but am on record as saying that I think Mitt Romney is in many ways well qualified to be president...
“A candidate for president should be judged, I suggest, by four criteria: (1) his declared values and proposed policies; (2) his character and credibility; (3) his competence to deliver; and (4) his prospects of winning nomination and election. (Or “her,” as the case may be.) On all four scores, I expect that, with yesterday’s address on “Faith in America,” Mitt Romney has also significantly advanced his candidacy.”
Although Catholic, Father Neuhaus is so influential among protestants that he was named by Time magazine as one of "The Twenty-five Most Influential Evangelicals in America". He is the founder of the religion-and-policy journal First Things.
"Together with Charles Colson, an erstwhile Nixon operative turned Protestant minister, Neuhaus co-founded “Evangelicals and Catholics Together,” which was often seen as a conservative alternative to official ecumenical dialogues operated by the institutional Catholic church and mainline Protestant bodies.
"Over the years, Neuhaus served either as an officer or an advisor for a cluster of neo-conservative foundations and think tanks, including the Institute on Religion and Public Life and the Institute on Religion and Democracy. He was often styled as one member of a “trinity” of prominent American Catholic neo-conservatives, the other two being the lay Catholic writers George Weigel and Michael Novak...
"Though keenly interested in politics, Neuhaus was at heart a theologian rather than a politician... In 2001, for example, Neuhaus published a widely praised volume of reflections titled Death on a Friday Afternoon: Meditations on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross.
"Neuhaus’ other books include Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth (2006); The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (1997); Appointment in Rome: The Church in America Awakening (1998); Doing Well & Doing Good: The Challenge to the Christian Capitalist (1992); and The Catholic Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Postmodern World (1987.)"
Father Neuhaus died January 8, 2009 at the age of 72.
“At College Station, Romney displayed a greater seriousness about the questions at issue than Kennedy did at Houston. And in doing that, Romney may actually have advanced the national conversation on religious conviction and public life. In a campaign season that all too typically involves the political manipulation of consumer passions by means of sound-bites and advertising, that would be no mean accomplishment.
“Romney got a lot of things right at College Station. He displayed an impressive sense of just how deeply religiously informed moral conviction is woven into the fabric of American life. At the same time, he suggested that he recognizes other paths to moral truth that are not religious in character.
“He got the American Founding right, suggesting that the Framers' prohibition of a national church--"no establishment"--was intended to foster the free exercise of religion, not to drive religion into a private sphere with no connection to public life. In doing so, Romney implicitly challenged a dominant strain in the Supreme Court's First Amendment jurisprudence since the late 1940s, a trend that has pitted "no establishment" against "free exercise."...
“Romney correctly pointed out that the alternative to today's maddeningly diverse, but democratically vibrant, plurality of religious voices in the American public square is not a neutral or naked public square, but the de facto establishment of secularism as the official national "creed."...
And Romney was very good in proposing that shared moral principles of human dignity and human equality can serve as a kind of public grammar, disciplining the public dialogue so that people of no faith and people of faith can engage in a civil conversation about the oughts of our public life...
“Mitt Romney gave eloquent expression to the conviction that the institutional separation of church and state does not, and cannot, mean the exile of religiously informed moral conviction from the American public square.
By lifting up the grammar of shared moral convictions as the means by which all Americans can engage in the public conversation that is democracy's lifeblood, and by reminding us that the adventure of democracy involves far more than the contest of interests, Governor Romney did his country a genuine service--whatever the political consequences for his campaign.”
"George Weigel, a NEWSWEEK contributor, is distinguished senior fellow of Washington's Ethics and Public Policy Center."
“ "There was a lot to like in Governor Romney's speech, particularly his clear understanding that the alternative to today's vibrantly religious public square is not a naked public square but state-enforced secularism -- the establishment of secularism, if you will," Catholic author and scholar George Weigel told CNA.”
Along with Michael Novak and Richard John Neuhaus, George Weigel helped established First Things. (National Review - Jan 8, 2009) He is the author or editor of 19 books including the biography of Pope John Paul II Witness of Hope, and has been awarded the papal cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and 11 honorary doctorates.
“Romney's speech at George H.W. Bush's presidential library in College Station, Texas, had been cast as analogous to one John F. Kennedy made nearly 50 years ago when the candidate addressed the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on concerns about his faith as a Roman Catholic...
“In the words of Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput, "In some ways, it's the speech John Kennedy should have given in Houston, but didn't."
“ "Romney, unlike Kennedy in Houston, does not separate his faith from informing his citizenship, and by extension, his vision of public service," the Catholic leader wrote in an e-mail response to questions. "Romney offered a more reasonable and fruitful explanation of how faith actually works in public service, regardless of one's political party." ...
“Chaput said he appreciated in Romney's speech the candidate's effort to defend matters of faith in the public square, a much-repeated observation by religious leaders and scholars Thursday.
“ "Religious officials shouldn't and can't determine public policy," Chaput said. "No sensible person would disagree with that. But that's very different from claiming — as some people now do — that religious believers, communities and leaders should be silent in public debate or stay out of public issues."
“And the archbishop — who stressed he is not endorsing the candidate in his remarks — downplayed the debate on Romney's Mormon faith, saying, it "has never been a serious issue for me, and I doubt many Catholic voters will make their political choices based on that factor."
“ "Catholics, like most other people, want to elect someone who has the skills, the moral character and the real commitment to the common good that will enable him or her to lead," Chaput said. "This applies whether you're a Democrat or Republican. In some ways, given the record of public service of the Romney family, the Mormon issue has always seemed irrelevant." ”
His Excellency Charles J. Chaput wrote the book Render Unto Caesar which has become a best-seller. He is the recipient of the Canterbury Medal for religious liberty.
“Cardinal O'Malley in Boston has said that Romney was a better friend to the Catholic church than any other MA governor in decades, and he was about the only one that wasn't Catholic.”
"Standing today with Governor Romney in support of the Protection of Marriage Amendment, which would allow the voters of the Commonwealth to determine the definition of marriage in Massachusetts, were Seán Cardinal O'Malley, OFM Cap, Archdiocese of Boston; Bishop George Coleman, Diocese of Fall River; Bishop Robert McManus, Diocese of Worcester; ...
"Cardinal Seán O'Malley said, “Marriage is the foundation of family life in our society. People of many faiths and from many walks of life have joined us to support marriage as being only the union between one man and one woman. The debate over the meaning of marriage should not be limited to government officials. The magnitude of the issue calls for full participation by the citizens of the Commonwealth. We urge our legislators to let the people exercise their right to vote.”
" “Governor Romney has said all along that the people’s voice matters, and today he has demonstrated that leadership again by focusing public attention on those in the state legislature who are strategizing to deny Massachusetts citizens the right to vote on marriage,” said Kris Mineau, President, Massachusetts Family Institute and Spokesman for VoteOnMarriage.org."
"In an apparent response" to "an open letter to Cardinal O’Malley and the Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts, accusing them of “promoting prejudice,” " sent by a group for gay marriage, "Gov. Mitt Romney held a press conference with traditional marriage supporters including Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley at the Statehouse on June 28".
In the press release, "Cardinal O’Malley said that society has a duty to pass on a strong institution of marriage for the good of future generations. The optimal place for children is a family of a father and mother in a permanent, loving, committed relationship which deserves to be protected by the state, he said.
" “To redefine marriage as merely an arrangement among adults undermines the family and will have serious consequences in our future,” he added."
" “The neighborhood revitalization made possible by this development builds on a rich history and is a good example of how a former parish property is being used to help those in need,” said Archbishop Sean O’Malley at groundbreaking ceremonies held in December...
" “This project is a perfect example of the type of new housing we should create in our developed urban centers,” said Governor Mitt Romney. “It’s close to all the services that make possible a desirable quality of life.” "
"... said Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley, who attended the ceremony. “With deep respect for those who established and sustained this parish in the past, we look forward to offering new hope and a renewed sense of community for generations to come.”
"Also attending the groundbreaking was Gov. Mitt Romney, who designated state funding for the project.
" “The St. Jean Baptiste development is a perfect example of the type of new housing we should create in our developed urban centers close to all the services that make possible a desirable quality of life,” said Gov. Romney. “I am pleased the commonwealth was able to partner with the archdiocese and the city of Lynn to make these 38 new homes a reality.” "
"Archbishop Seán Patrick O’Malley and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) [a non-profit organization sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston] in partnership with the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND) hosted a ceremony today to celebrate the dedication of the St. Jean Baptiste Neighborhood Revitalization...
" “The St. Jean Baptiste development is a terrific example of smart growth and it shows how the blending of public and private resources fosters neighborhood revitalization," said Governor Mitt Romney. "Partnerships like these provide high quality housing opportunities for those across a broad range of incomes while ensuring vibrant and prosperous communities throughout the Commonwealth.” ...
" “Today we dedicate new homes and a community center as part of the Church's ongoing commitment to work with local communities for the common good. This neighborhood revitalization honors the people of St. Jean Baptiste parish who established a heritage of caring for family, friend, and neighbor as sign of their faith," said Archbishop Sean O'Malley.
"The Archdiocese is proud to have participated in the efforts to assure a bright and strong future for this neighborhood. Many people contributed to the success of this project and at this time I wish in particular to express my gratitude to the City of Lynn and to the Planning Office for Urban Affairs for their commitment to providing affordable housing on behalf of the Church.” "
"With many wearing traditional emerald green to mark the feast of the patron saint of Boston, several hundred people gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross to mark St. Patrick’s Day with a Mass, presided over by Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley.
"Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Minister of State for the Irish government Mary Hanafin, who proclaimed the first reading in Irish, as well as other Irish and British government officials, were among the dignitaries in attendance."
" “One thing that has struck me about Catholic Charities is how they have so attentively responded over the last 100 years to the changing needs that people encounter in their lives,” said Bishop Lennon. He added that this legacy should serve as a “testimony for each of us to be recommitted to this most important work in the lives of the Church and community.”
"During the celebration, guests were treated to a video presentation that traced the history of the organization in Boston. A proclamation issued by Governor Mitt Romney commending Catholic Charities was read by John Kaneb, Catholic Charities board member emeritus."
“It is a sign of Archbishop O’Malley’s esteem within the Church that he has been invited to join the College of Cardinals. His elevation is a cause for celebration for Catholics across Massachusetts. I know he will bring his trademark wisdom, dignity and humility to his new responsibilities as a leader of the Catholic Church.”
— Gov. Mitt Romney, Mass.
“ "To have someone who is the leader of the largest church in the state receive an honor of this nature is a tribute to our state, and of course to him, and is a blessing to Catholics throughout the state," Romney said...
“Romney will be in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City Friday morning as a guest of O'Malley and will have lunch with him later in the day. Romney plans to have dinner Friday evening with the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Francis Rooney.
“On Saturday Romney will attend a Mass during which O'Malley and the other new cardinals will receive their rings symbolizing their links to the Pope.” (AP)
"As someone who values the importance of faith in one's life, I recognize in Mitt his deep religious convictions which will serve him well in facing the critical moral issues facing our society," Monaghan said in a statement. " I believe he will stand firm on the pro-life issues and for the traditional family values that our country was founded on and which are so critical to the future of our nation."
(Another prominent Catholic who is a leader in the prolife movement gave his view of Romney here)
“Mitt Romney announced a big Michigan Christian Right endorsement today: Marlene Elwell. Not exactly a household name, Elwell was a key advisor to the 1990s-era Christian Coalition and helped engineer Pat Robertson’s strong finish in 1988’s Iowa presidential caucuses.
“More recently, Elwell directed the Americans of Faith coalition for John McCain’s presidential campaign. She left the campaign last spring after saying McCain’s top staffers—though not McCain himself—treated her and fellow religious activists like “they had contempt for the faith-based community... The way we were being treated it was as if we had leprosy."
“A conservative Catholic who led a successful 2004 campaign to ban gay unions in Michigan by amending the state’s Constitution, Elwell told God-o-Meter in a phone interview that she has devoted much of the last two months to trying to derail Mike Huckabee’s campaign. Though she says the Huckabee camp repeatedly tried to sign her during 2007, Elwell calls the former Arkansas governor a liberal on non-hot button social issues like education.
“Elwell has a strong network of conservative Christian activists in Michigan, but she says she’s limiting her efforts to promote Romney and stop Huckabee to the state’s Catholic community. She spent a month in Iowa before the state’s first in the nation caucuses and concluded that evangelicals couldn’t be dissuaded from supporting Huckabee.
“The evangelical community in Iowa was not wanting to listen—Huckabee was one of them and they were going to vote for him,” Elwell says. “So I concentrated my effort on Catholics.”
“Entrance polls from the Iowa caucuses did not gauge the candidates’ Catholic support, but New Hampshire entrance polls show that Huckabee got 7-percent Catholic support from Republican voters, compared to 38-percent each for Romney and McCain.”
"An avowed doer, Elwell marched with Martin Luther King and Caesar Chavez in protests against the exploitation of blacks and migrant workers. She has championed the pro-life campaign from its beginning and was, as a democrat, responsible for the writing and adoption of the pro-life plank in the Republican Party platform, earning the Gabriel Richard Institute’s “The Power of One Person Award.”
"While raising five children of her own, her home became a sanctuary for the foster care of indigent youngsters. She also took on the challenge of fostering newborn babies until permanent homes were found for them. The plight of needy families in her home state, Michigan, led her to form JMJ Enterprises which supervised the purchase and renovation of HUD and VA houses, restoring self worth and opening doors to a more productive life for many.
"Mrs. Elwell was the Director, in the developing stages of Legatus, an international organization of Catholic business leaders, headed by Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, which seeks to foster creative, moral and spiritual entrepreneurship in the private sector.
"During the period of 1993 to 2000, Mrs. Elwell rose to the top position of Regional Vice President of American Communications Network, an international communications marketing company where she was introduced to the Internet world...
"As the Founder of FreedomISP, a filtered Internet service provider, Mrs. Elwell spent the past several years, and her own resources, researching and identifying filtering software alternatives that will ensure a “Simple, Safe Internet” service... using the motto, “Once the innocence of a child is lost, it’s lost forever”...
"Governor Jennifer Granholm vetoed state legislation which would have defined the point at which human life is to receive legal and civil protection, and would have banned the practice of partial birth abortion in the state of Michigan. Catholics in the Public Square then joined Right to Life of Michigan and other organizations in a petition drive to override Granholm’s veto and bring the Legal Birth Definition Act back before the legislature.
CPS volunteers and those from other organizations collected more than 460,000 signatures from state residents for the petition, which was then approved by the Michigan House 74-28 and the Senate 23-12, making a ban on partial birth abortions state law...
"As the President of MCCA [Michigan Christian Citizen's Alliance], Marlene brings years of experience and wisdom in the cultural battle for faith and values. A few of her resume highlights include:
" • Instrumental in establishing Michigan Right To Life
" • Formed an ogranization to put the pro-life language in the Republican platform
" • Instrumental in forming the Christian Coalition..."
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