“Ron Paul is the clear choice to me as a pastor on at least three
fronts: his stance on issues, his personal character, and his
electability.
“When it comes to issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, foreign
policy, and economics, Ron Paul's positions favor respect for human
life, fundamental morality, and overall prosperity for the United
States and our neighbors throughout the world.
“In the realm of character, while other candidates pay lip service to
fairly good positions on the issues, none exhibits the consistency,
honesty, and determination of Ron Paul.
“As for electability, since many of his positions, particularly on
foreign wars, appeal to a broad base beyond the confines of the
Republican Party, Ron Paul stands the best chance of defeating
President Barack Obama in 2012,” said Rev. Neuendorf.
In making his endorsement, the Rev. mentioned that he was endorsing Ron
Paul as an individual, not on behalf of the Holy Cross
congregation.
As a member congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the
church publicly opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, but its
individual members are not required, expected, or even encouraged to
vote for a particular candidate. That remains a matter of
individual
conscience.
Ron Paul 2012 Iowa Chairman Drew Ivers responded to the endorsement
saying, “We welcome Rev. Neuendorf’s endorsement and kind words on the
very day Ron Paul is campaigning in Eastern Iowa. The endorsement
of
the Rev. and other faith leaders promises to make a strong top-three
caucus showing more likely.”
Mike Heath, Iowa State Director for the Ron Paul 2012 campaign, is
visiting Christian churches across Iowa to do outreach and discuss Ron
Paul’s candidacy. To date, Heath has visited 256 houses of
worship
across the state toward that end. Heath is an ordained Christian
minister.
If ministering in Iowa, local pastors interested in discussing an
endorsement are invited to email the Iowa Director of Voter Outreach,
Meghann Walker, at
meghannw@ronpaul2012.com.