Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 11, 1995 TAG: 9505110105
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The Doles and the Clintons, political rivals who once found common ground on Sunday mornings, no longer worship under the same roof.
Sen. Bob Dole and Elizabeth Hanford Dole have stopped attending the Foundry United Methodist Church, a mile north of the White House, where President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton go to services about twice a month.
A friend of the Doles, who declined to be identified, said the Doles considered the pastor of the 180-year-old church too liberal.
``The Doles have been attending several evangelical churches in the Washington area that more accurately reflect their Christian belief,'' he said, although Elizabeth Dole remains a member of Foundry.
In addition to worshiping at Foundry, Bob Dole was one of its financial supporters. Senators are required to give to charity the payments they receive for making speeches. In 1993, his financial disclosure forms show, he received $69,450 in such honoraria and gave $13,000 to Foundry. In 1992, he gave Foundry $8,000. Senate financial disclosure forms for 1994 have not yet been made public.
In his Foundry sermons, the Rev. J. Philip Wogaman often strikes a liberal note, embracing feminism, decrying intolerance toward gays, supporting health care reform. A recent church newsletter criticized the GOP's ``Contract With America.''
A recent column by syndicated writer Cal Thomas was critical of Wogaman's ``theological and political liberalism,'' which he said offered ``moral nurture'' for the Clintons' political views. Wogaman said the article distorted his views and seemed to be using the Clintons' religion ``as a way to oppose their politics.''
by CNB