12 Political Converts to Catholicism—Besides Newt

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Well, from my perspective, it seems to be the Democrats who have shifted their political focus, not the Church. The Catholic Church was simply forced to find a new home.

Alexander of IA 4:20PM August 08, 2010

nice, really nice!

Invexixheli of AL 8:18AM April 17, 2009

Anyone who is pro-abortion, pro-gay rights, pro-stem cell research, etc.. is not a true Catholic. All of these concerns go directly against Church doctrine. These beliefs will not change as they are based on biblical teachings. This is the way it has been since Jesus told St. Paul to build His Church. It has nothing to do with the Catholic church having a lack of compassion or humanity it is simply the word of God.

Donna of MO 12:12AM April 14, 2009

Am pretty sure Sam Brownback came out in support of Sebillius, the pro-abort nominee of Obama.
That, to me, makes him not a genuine Roman Catholic.

Dale Noble of CA 6:26PM April 11, 2009

Sorry, while I am a Catholic, I am also a skeptic. I see nothing in Gingrich's history to associate him with Catholic beliefs. I have a strong suspicion his motivation is to set his sights on a presidential nomination for 2012. He knows the Catholics came back to voting for the Democrats in the past election and sees this as a way to get those votes back. If he could flip those voters while holding on to the right wingers, he thinks he can get a majority.
I would hope that I am wrong, but I will not know for sure until 2012. If he makes no attempt to run for president, then I will take back my "insight" and apologize. But for now, it looks too perfect.

TomfromNJ1 of NJ 11:05PM April 05, 2009

Albert Fall, the secretary of the Interior Department at the time of the Teapot Dome scandal, became a Catholic after he was released from prison.
I think a couple of former First Ladies of the 19th century were converts to Catholicism.
Among those on the left who converted to Catholicism included Dorothy Day and gay academic John Boswell.

Stephen Karlinchak of PA 11:23PM April 01, 2009

Clarence Thomas was raised Catholic, became an Episcopalian as an adult, but then "reverted" to the Church as a Supreme Court Judge.

Don Schenk of PA 10:23AM April 01, 2009

You forgot to mention Clarence Thomas, I read he converted to Catholicism as well.

Scott 12:28AM April 01, 2009

Thanks for a reasoned and well thought out history lesson.
Have you noticed that the folks who show little to no respect for the Catholic faith rarely claim themselves and their beliefs? It seems that all they can do is make secular humanism arguments in order to feel enlightened, progressive, and superior.
Frankly, they just come across as mean and ignorant - and completely unable to mentally get their arms around faith and religion. To them, it's all about elections and "winning".
God bless! (Them too :-)

Bill Cassidy of FL 9:56PM March 31, 2009

"I thought the previous pope was someone on such a path. Newt Gingrich? Not so much". Thanks be to God Newt hasn't asked to be Pope ;-) As a matter of fact, Mr. Gingrich has kept his faith quiet and reverent.
Whether it is ND, or the Conservative Republicans being Catholic as issues, those of you that are not practicing Catholics don't seem to understand - some things in life are not political, they can be spiritual or theological.
Judgment of Catholicism and the people who practice is mean-spirited and ignorant - it is also bigoted.
It's always easy to take pot shots at Catholics - we have a tendency to turn the other cheek.
BTW, Laughing all the Way? Catholics are either Catholic or they aren't. We don't have "neo/ultra/or conservative" Catholics. Those that would label themselves as anything other than "Catholic" without a prefix are NOT Catholic. That is the Church's word, not mine.

Bill Cassidy of FL 9:49PM March 31, 2009