Don Wilton's Turnaround: How It Plays Out

The decision by Pastor Don Wilton to retract his endorsement of Mitt Romney will probably have a chilling effect on pastors across South Carolina who have always played right up to the line.

Wilton's decision to endorse Romney's policy record provoked an intense backlash among his fellow Southern Baptist pastors, and word in South Carolina is that Wilton was sending signals as early as this weekend that he had not forseen how controversial his endorsement would be.

Pastors of large, mainline SC churches usually don't endorse; at least one candidate, Mike Huckabee, is counting on the pastoral network for support. But if they're gun-shy like Wilton -- or shy after they've fired the gun and refuse to fire again -- their collective ability to influence the religious conservative primary vote may be diminished.

A side note: Fred Thompson will pay the $35,000 ballot access fee in South Carolina today.

Comments

That's a sad comment when a Pastor--a man who is supposed to be serving God, crumbles under the bigoted pressure of other so-called men of God. Bigotry comes from the deceiver - not God. You Pastors should be the first ones to recognize this. Shame on you for accepting bigotry as the norm. Your hypocrisy is blatent, transparent and un-Christlike. You call yourselves "true" Christians? That's the saddest thing of all - to userp what it means to be Christian, and wrap it up with the deceiver's justification of self-rightousness.

Posted by Mike G. Shirra | October 24, 2007 12:57 PM

I’m an independent. I vote based upon a person and principles I hold. I love America and that is why I’m writing. All Republican party members listen carefully. There is only one candidate I would vote for on your side right now. Mitt Romney. If you put up anyone else you’re done. He is your only real candidate. I know Mormonism is weird but get over it. Bigotry never wins. It wrong and no Democrat would ever dare to look like one. I want someone that can fix America’s bureaucracy and the only one with proven ability on both sides is Gov. Romney. You have the best Champion I ever seen. His record, education, wisdom, foresight, experience, abilities, personality are all amazing. I’ve heard him speak and he lights a fire in my belly and a desire in my heart for America. But, if you choose someone else that is okay I’ll vote for Hilary or Barrack. Hope the information is helpful.

Posted by Taylor | October 24, 2007 1:33 PM

What a bigot. Its incredible that these evangelicals pastors call themselves Christians and then have the audacity to presume the authority of labeling Mormons non-Christian. I am not a mormon but I respect Mormons as honest, hard-working, charitable, and god-fearing people. Most of these baptist pastors are money hungry wolves in sheep clothing who thrive off of spewing hate and bigotry. Its a shame these evangelicals pastors are given such a podium in the Republican party. They certainly do not speak for me.

Posted by Bruce | October 24, 2007 9:42 PM

I am not disappointed that someone would oppose Mitt Romney as President. Everyone has that God given right in this free nation of ours. I am more discouraged by the continual attacks against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Without trying to offend others, I would ask that you think closely about what is being said.

Pastor Wilton states "This is not a conversation about a person, it is about a religion that drives a person to do what he does."

So, what does Mormonism drive people to do?

Pastor Wilton answers this question: "The people of the Mormon religion are very highly astute, highly family-oriented, deeply character-driven people."

And yet, he says "Mormonism does make me nervous, because I am a Christian, and because the precepts and principles, and more importantly, the practices of Mormonism have cause for great concern."

If you disagree with Mormon theology or history, you also have that right. I am saddened that others disapprove of Romney because he is Mormon. I have no argument if you disagreed with his politics, stances, etc.

It reminds me of a scripture in the Bible: The Church that Christ established was regarded to be a sect, and "everywhere it was spoken against." (Acts 28:22).

I guess our country, which is supposed to be based on freedom of religion, really does require leadership after all.

Posted by Dave | October 26, 2007 11:50 AM

What a shame. I feel bad for Pastor Wilson, who apparently had to back down under pressure from other Southern Baptist ministers.

I wonder when us American Christians will learn to love one another. Are we going to continue to go down that road of hate for our fellow man.

Romney and Huckabee seem to be the only true passionate Christians with personal and family values. Both come from Christian upbringing and have been ministers in their respective faiths. Both appear to have a deep faith in Jesus Christ.

It will certainly be interesting, when it comes right down to it, if the Souther Baptist ministry has to choose between Giuliani, an outspoken prochoice candidate, and Govenor Romney. Giuliani, the front runner nationally, doesn't even qualify to be a Republican. Pro abortion, pro illegal immigration, pro gay marriage, pro gun control, and on his third "trophy" wife with a dysfunctional family who won't even talk to him.

I deeply respect Governor Huckabee, but I really do not feel he is as qualified to be President as some of the other candidates. A Romney/Huckabee ticket would be awsome however.

Posted by Joe | October 26, 2007 8:42 PM

Why is it bigoted to oppose some one for President based on their religion? Religion expresses a persons values. The LDS claim to be the one true Chruch, oppose birth control, Have a God who has sex with his wife Goddess. The Lds want to become Gods and rule planets. Joe Smith was at best a con artist and Brigham Young was a dangerous fanatic. A simple test to determine who is bigoted? NAME ONE LDS LEADER WHO HAS ENDORSED A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OTHER THAN ROMNEY.

Posted by Johnny Plunkett | October 27, 2007 3:14 AM