Chris Christie: ‘I’m A Catholic, But I’ve Used Birth Control’

Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who is campaigning to be the Republican nominee in the 2016 presidential election, recently weighed in on the issue of birth control.

Chris Christie On Birth Control

Christie was at a town hall meeting in New Hampshire when he was asked for his views on the relationship between religion and politics. Christie explained his relationship with his own faith thusly: “We should all acquit ourselves in a way that we believe is consistent with the teachings that we follow, if we follow certain teachings from a religious perspective. That’s what I’ll always continue to try to do.”

The Catholic politician went on to admit that though his faith promotes shunning artificial birth control, it’s not one of the strictures of Catholicism he’s abided by.

“I’m a Catholic, but I’ve used birth control, and not just the rhythm method, ok,” Christie said. “Does that make me an awful Catholic because I believed and practiced that function during part of my life? I don’t think so.”

Archbishop John J. Myers of the Newark Archdiocese in New Jersey has not commented on Christie’s stance on birth control, which flouts the doctrine of the Catholic church. A spokesperson for Myers said it would be “inappropriate” for the prelate to do so. He also stressed the close friendship that Christie enjoys with Myers.

“We understand that he has an opinion. That’s a personal issue that may be dealt with individually. We are not going to comment,” said spokesman James Goodness, who added of the pair’s relationship, “They are friends, they’ve been friends and they are going to continue to be friends.’’

Although Christie appears to have a moderate stance on contraception, the second-term Governor has evolved politically over the years to take a stricter position on abortion. Last year, he announced his support for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, stating, “I am proud to be a pro-life Republican.”