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Bible Underpins Palin's Politics

Her church promotes gay 'cure,' she hoped Alaskan pipeline was 'God's will'

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 6, 2008 8:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sarah Palin's pastors say an abiding faith in the Bible is at the core of her personal and political life, the New York Times reports. She attends the nondenominational Wasilla Bible Church. Its links to groups which seek to convert Jews and "cure" gays have caused concern—but townspeople say the unassuming, conservative church is a true reflection of Alaska.

"God has given her the opportunity to serve,” said Palin's former pastor at the Pentacostal Assembly of God Church, which she moved from in 2002. He said Palin contacted him when she first became governor, seeking examples of great leadership in the Bible. He recommended she look to Esther—a beauty contest winner who becomes queen and saves her people from destruction.

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A sign marks the yard of the Wasilla Assembly of God church in Wasilla, Alaska. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

John McCain and running mate Alaska Gov., Sarah Palin acknowledge the cheers of supporters at the start of a campaign rally in Michigan yesterday. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband, hold their baby boy, Trig, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)

Todd Palin holds the Bible for his wife, Sarah, as she is sworn in as Alaska's governor during an inauguration ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska, two years ago. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

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The churches that Sarah has attended all believe in a literal translation of the Bible. Her principal ethical and moral beliefs stem from this. - Wasilla woman Janet Kincaid

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Bible Underpins Palin's Politics