Before accepting the presumptions of Marc Thiessen’s column “People of Faith, Look Out” (Oct. 17 Perspectives), PG readers should listen to or read Hillary Clinton’s Women in the World Summit speech to learn the full context of her views.
Her remarks to the group focused on the rights of women and girls to receive an education, economic equality, freedom from domestic violence and the ability to participate fully in the governance of their nation. And, yes, if these rights are denied on the basis of “deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases,” there must be change. To suggest that the speech was an attack on religious freedom is a mischaracterization not only of her words but also of Ms. Clinton as exemplified by her Methodist upbringing.
According to Tim Kaine, Ms. Clinton’s running mate and a devout Catholic, “Clinton’s Methodist upbringing is the ‘root of everything she does.’ ” In the words of John Wesley, she tries to “Do all the good you can, in all the times you can, by all the means you can, as long as you ever can.” And as to abortion, her stance for the most part matches the official stance of the United Methodist Church’s Book of Resolutions.
ANN WALLACE STRADER
Scott
First Published: October 22, 2016, 4:00 a.m.