What Is Jay Townsend's Religion?

Jay Townsend is running as a Republican candidate for U.S. senator for New York. The Republican marketing consultant is facing Charles Ellis "Chuck" Schumer, the incumbent Democratic senator. As part of a Politics Daily series providing background about the major candidates in 2010, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Townsend's life.

What is Jay Townsend's religion?

Townsend is an Episcopalian who lives in Cornwall-on-Hudson, a quaint village on the shores of the Hudson River, just north of West Point Military Academy. It is approximately 60 miles north of New York City and 95 miles south of Albany, N.Y., the state capital.

Where does Jay Townsend worship?

Townsend worships at St. John's Episcopal Church with his wife and sons and was a senior warden there. He was co-chairman of the most successful capital campaign in the church's history and helped lead community outreach efforts to aid the under-served; staff area soup kitchens; send supplies to wounded soldiers in Landstuhl, Germany; and provide assistance to impoverished children in South Africa.

Was Jay Townsend born an Episcopalian or did he convert?

Townsend, who was born in Maryland and whose parents moved to Indiana to become farmers, has always been an Episcopalian.

What has Jay Townsend said about the Episcopal Church?

In a church newsletter, Townsend wrote the following: "When you see someone on Sunday morning that you've not seen before, make a special effort to introduce yourself. Invite them to coffee hour and engage them in conversation. Learn what their interests are and introduce them to fellow parishioners. Just as important, make it a point this year to invite a friend to attend services or an event at St. John's. You might find them among the growing number of people who've walked through our doors in recent years and decided to stay."

As for issues of importance to religious Americans, Townsend said he admires Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, the Buffalo developer running against Democrat Andrew Cuomo, and supports his platform. Townsend said, "Carl and I have met any number of times. I believe the man is sincere. I like him." Paladino has been accused of being hostile to gay people.

What is Jay Townsend's reaction to the mosque planned near the World Trade Center?

Townsend, in an address to the New York City Landmarks Commission on July 13, said he opposed the planned mosque "because it is insensitive to the memory of those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terror attack."

What is Jay Townsend's position on abortion?

Townsend believes the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal should be overturned by the court. David Levers, of the Townsend campaign, says that Townsend does believe abortion should be allowed if the mother's life is in danger or if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

What is Jay Townsend's position on stem cell research?

According to Levers, Townsend does not want the government to pay for any medical research at all. He says that Townsend believes that all medical research should be privately funded.

See also:

How Old Is Jay Townsend?

Is Jay Townsend Married?

Latest Jay Townsend News and Information

Read Jay Townsend's full bio on his website.