Changes

==Religion==

==Religion==

One of the curious coalitions within the Democratic party is the strange alliance between devout African-American Christian believers and avowed atheists who both claim the mantle of "[[liberal]]". While there is negligible if any difference between doctrinal Christian teachings regarding homosexuality in most Black churches and the views expressed by televangelists such as [[Jerry Falwell]] or [[Pat Robertson]], the Democratic coalition relies heavily upon votes of African-Americans and [[gays]].

In the United States, there is some correlation between religious and political affiliation, though people of all faiths and denominations can be found among the supporter of each of the main parties.

Both historically and today [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] voters have had a tendency to identify with the Democratic Party, and a number of Democratic office-holders, such as Senator [[Jim Webb]] of [[Virginia]], are Catholics. However, several general ideals of the Democratic Party's platform - most notably, the party's overall support for the legality of [[abortion]] - are contrary to the position of the [[Catholic Church]].

Both historically and today [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] voters have had a tendency to identify with the Democratic Party, and a number of Democratic office-holders, such as Senator [[Jim Webb]] of [[Virginia]], are Catholics. However, several general ideals of the Democratic Party's platform - most notably, the party's overall support for the legality of [[abortion]] - are contrary to the position of the [[Catholic Church]].

[[Protestant]] Christians, being such a large and diverse group, cannot be assumed to have political views lying more to the left or to the right. However, some Protestant groups, such as [[Evangelical]] Christians, who tend to be associated with the Republican Party, do hold particular political stances.

With regard to [[Protestant]] Christians, members of [[Evangelical]] churches in particular are associated with the [[Republican Party]]. One unusual feature of the Democratic Party, however, is that it drawn substantial support both from committed African-American Protestant Christians and from secular and atheist white voters. The strong opposition to [[homosexuality]] found among many Black Protestant Christians (and, indeed, among orthodox Catholics) contrasts strikingly with the support frequently shown by Democrats for the [[homosexual agenda]].

==References==

==References==