FROM ONE NEWS NOW/AFA

Democratic senators feel free to disagree with their churches
Associated Press - 7/29/2010 7:55:00 AM
WASHINGTON - Some Democratic senators say they don't feel a need to accept all of their churches' teachings.

Dick Durbin of Illinois, who's Catholic, told reporters that he believes it's more important to follow his conscience than church doctrines on issues like abortion and birth control.

Durbin and New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, who's Mormon, both say they're comfortable remaining members of their churches despite doctrines they don't believe and would like to change.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, says he supports his denomination's acceptance of partnered homosexual clergy, but acknowledges it will drive some Lutherans to more conservative churches.

Wednesday's press briefing was organized by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

Weekly prayer breakfasts

A leader of the U.S. Senate's weekly prayer breakfasts says they're often attended by 20 or more senators from both parties.

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota says each week a senator talks about his or her faith, life, and prayer needs. The chaplain then leads prayers, often followed by questions and discussion.

Klobuchar, who leads the prayer meetings with Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, says lawmakers' different religious convictions obviously lead them to different policy conclusions. But she says the gatherings help senators better understand what motivates colleagues and see them as more than just political rivals.