What Is Christine O'Donnell's Religion?

Conservative advocate, political commentator and marketing consultant Christine O'Donnell is running as the Republican candidate for Delaware's 2010 U.S. Senate special election against Democrat Chris Coons. The contest has been one of the most-watched congressional races of the 2010 election season, in large part due to O'Donnell's tea party affiliation, her colorful (and disputed) record, and her attention-garnering statements. As part of a Politics Daily series providing background about the major candidates in 2010, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about O'Donnell's life.

What is Christine O'Donnell's religion?

O'Donnell is Roman Catholic.

Where does Christine O'Donnell worship?

O'Donnell attends a local Catholic church in her hometown of Wilmington, Del.

Was Christine O'Donnell born a Roman Catholic, or did she convert?

O'Donnell was born into an Irish-Italian, Roman Catholic family. In college, she converted to evangelical Christianity but returned to the Catholic faith in later years. In 2010, she told The New York Times that she embraces both faiths.

What has Christine O'Donnell said about her religious beliefs?

Though O'Donnell had previously said she felt called by God to run for office, she most recently stated, at a Republican speaking engagement on Oct. 13, "My faith has influenced my personal life. My faith hasn't really influenced my politics."

What is Christine O'Donnell's position on the mosque planned near the World Trade Center in Manhattan?

In a televised debate in October, O'Donnell declined to specify whether she supported construction of the mosque near ground zero, instead noting that she thinks it should be handled at a local level.

What is Christine O'Donnell's connection to witchcraft?

In a 1999 episode of Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect," O'Donnell told Mayer that she had "dabbled into witchcraft." In the clip, which Maher aired on a September episode of his current show, "Real Time," O'Donnell says: "I never joined a coven. But I did, I did ... I dabbled into witchcraft. I hung around people who were doing these things." As it later became a campaign issue, O'Donnell poked fun at herself, creating a campaign ad stating, "I'm not a witch. I'm nothing you've heard." She later specified that she had been in high school during the dabbling. In an early-October interview with CNN, O'Donnell said, "What I said or did on a comedy show, you know, over a decade ago is not relevant in this election."

What has Christine O'Donnell said about the separation of church and state?

In an Oct. 19 debate with rival Chris Coons, O'Donnell asked, "Where in the Constitution is the separation of church and state?" Her response was greeted by hoots of laughter by those in attendance. Her campaign later stated, though, that O'Donnell "was not questioning the concept of separation of church and state as subsequently established by the courts. She simply made the point that the phrase appears nowhere in the Constitution."

Also see: Is Christine O'Donnell Married?

How Old Is Christine O'Donnell?

Latest Christine O'Donnell News and Information

Read Christine O'Donnell's full bio on her official campaign website.