Candidates in northern Winnebago County talk about the role of faith in government
Freedom of religion is important to most candidates in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton, Illinois.
Religious faith sometimes becomes a campaign issue, sort of, in northern Winnebago County, especially in school board or library board election. Some candidates claim they are standing for traditional family values, while others accuse them of being Christian nationalists who want to ban books. Some progressive groups, such as the Women's March, warn their followers against voting for anyone listed on the Gatekeepers website. Other candidates don't know they are listed there.
Who is Michael Nolan and Gatekeepers?
Michael Nolan is the leader of Gatekeepers, his organization whose stated mission is to "re-engage the Church with community, by filling local public office seats with Christians."
Because of this mission, Nolan has been accused of being a Christian nationalist. But after looking up what the term means, he says he isn't one. "I don't want the Church to take over the government." He has taught classes at local churches: Biblical Citizenship, Constitution, a Constitutional Law and Christianity, and Biblical Civics. As far as banning books in libraries, he says, "We're not about banning any book. We just want it to be age appropriate. If it's not healthy for a 33-year-old it's not going to be healthy for a 9-year-old."
The main quality Nolan says he looks for in a candidate is "common sense." The candidates he has recommended don't believe in "gender ideology, critical race theory, or a crazy way of doing math." He opposes wasting money or breaking rules. Nolan says he "doesn't want to get too involved with any specific candidate," "make personal enemies," or "bring anybody down."
Nolan publishes lists of his recommended candidates on the Gatekeepers website. In addition to the candidate recommendations, he publishes separate web pages that simply list the current officeholders. When one Republican candidate was told that he had been recommended by Gatekeepers, he said he wasn't sure he wanted to be, because he's not "religious." Opponents often confuse his website with larger, better organized conservative groups. Five churches have allowed Nolan to teach biblical citizenship classes or a Christianity and constitutional law seminar. About six people became Republican precinct committee chairs in 2022. But no churches have joined Gatekeepers and the group doesn't really have members.
How should a candidate's religious faith affect their public service?
We asked several candidates this question.
Elizabeth Lindquist
Hopefully a candidate’s religious faith makes them honest, transparent, and committed to serve - qualities we need in our elected officials.
Jenna Goldsmith
A candidate's religious faith will of course inform them, to the extent that a person's religious faith likely informs their values and their choices. This is the extent to which a candidate's religious faith should affect their public service; as Americans, we enjoy the separation of church and state so that religious institutions are protected from state power and interference.
Dave Benjamin
Being a Christian, I do not feel my religious beliefs will have a negative effect on my public service to the community. Freedom of religion is everyone's right and I respect that.
Justin Plock
I’m a Christian, and my faith shapes who I am and the values I live by, like honesty, integrity, and serving others. But I also believe in treating everyone with respect and making fair decisions for the entire community. Public service isn’t about pushing personal beliefs, it’s about listening to the people you represent and doing what’s right for them.
John Broda
For me religion is a very personal thing. For others their religious views guide and dictate their life. I would say asking questions to an individual, listening to their answers and allowing conversation is the best way to get to know who is running and make an informed decision.
Dawn Cassady
Religion is a personal issue and should not be up for public opinion.
Shelly Taylor
A candidate’s religious faith can inform their personal values and ethics, but when it comes to public service, decisions must be made based on the common good. It is essential that our policies and actions remain inclusive and respectful of everyone’s beliefs. My commitment is to serve all citizens with fairness, ensuring that personal faith guides my integrity without influencing public policy.
Charles Hart
People's values that they hold in their private life impact their values in their public life. Faith is one reflection of the values that people hold.
