Donald Trump pens letter to Catholic leaders, vowing to fight for them
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump wrote a letter to the Catholic Leadership Conference, promising to work with its leaders on issues that are important to Catholics if he is elected.
Trump began his letter by explaining that he could not be present at the conference, which was held in Denver from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6, because of his busy schedule.
He went on to describe the impact of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and took note of its efforts in various aspects of society.
"The United States was, and is, strengthened through Catholic men, women, priests and religious Sisters, ministering to people, marching in the Civil Rights movement, educating millions of children in Catholic schools, creating respected health care institutions, and in their founding and helping the ongoing growth of the pro-life cause," he wrote.
"I have a message for Catholics: I will be there for you. I will stand with you. I will fight for you," the candidate added.
Trump pointed out that his opponent, Hillary Clinton, has taken a stance that is considered to oppose the doctrines of the Church.
He mentioned that Clinton is supporting a measure that forces the Catholic institution Little Sisters of the Poor to pay for contraceptives in health care plans.
Trump also noted that Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, has a 100 percent voting record from the National Abortion Rights Action League for supporting abortion in the Senate.
"Kaine once was for traditional marriage, even saying 'it is a uniquely valuable institution that must be preserved,' but as of 2013, Kaine no longer supported traditional marriage," Trump continued.
The Republican candidate vowed that he will remain pro-life and defend religious liberty. He also promised to end Common Core and uphold the rights of homeschooling families.
Trump also stated that he will repeal Obamacare and added that he will appoint justices to the Supreme Court that will defend the Constitution like Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia.
Trump has previously clashed with Pope Francis on the issue of immigration. The pope criticized Trump for his plan to build a wall in the U.S.-Mexican border as well as his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the U.S.
