Rev. Sheldon Urges ‘Believers’ to Vote GOP : Politics: O.C. Christian activist says voting for Clinton would be ‘mistake.’ Other religious leaders are dismayed at his mixing of religion, politics.

ANAHEIM —  The Rev. Louis Sheldon Tuesday urged “Bible believers” to pull the Republican lever this November, saying a vote for Democratic nominee Bill Clinton is “a very, very, very serious mistake.”

Sheldon, citing the Democratic party’s positions on abortion, homosexuality and women in combat, said at a news conference that a Clinton Administration would pursue “immoral policies.”

He encouraged Christians, and later expanded his remarks to include Jews and Muslims, to “apply biblical principles when exercising their vote in the privacy of the election booth,” and said that despite their Southern Baptist backgrounds, Clinton and his running mate, Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee, are “are at odds” with the teachings of the church.

“It’s against God’s word,” Sheldon said of the Democratic Party’s platform.

Bill Podlich, Orange County chairman of the Clinton campaign, said Tuesday that it is inappropriate to insert religion into the political process, and called Sheldon’s statements part of the Republican effort to divide society.

Through his Traditional Values Coalition, an educational and lobbying organization founded 10 years ago, Sheldon plans to send “informational packets” to 18,000 religious leaders nationwide regarding the election.

Although he said the Traditional Values Coalition does not officially endorse candidates, Sheldon clearly stated his belief that Christians should be voting for the incumbent Republican President. He had no comment on independent candidate Ross Perot.

“George Bush has consistently stood with the family,” Sheldon said.

Orange County Republican Party Executive Director Greg Haskin said Tuesday that he appreciates Sheldon’s approval, but that religion “isn’t a big issue” in the campaign.

Some Orange County religious leaders said Tuesday that they resented Sheldon’s mixture of religion and politics.

Calling Sheldon’s statements “a misuse of the Bible,” Eli Spitz, president of the Orange County Board of Rabbis, said that biblical values are reflected in both parties’ positions.

“It’s idolatry to speak on behalf of God where there’s a legitimate basis for difference of political opinion,” said Spitz, head rabbi at Congregation B’nai Israel in Tustin.

Dr. John Huffman of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church of Newport Beach said, “I am registered in one of the major political parties but feel it is irresponsible on my part to allow my own personal viewpoints and prejudices to be inflicted in a coercive way on my people.”