Missouri governor's 'Christian values' statement questioned

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has no "litmus test for appointments," his spokeswoman said Friday, despite a statement earlier in the week indicating he would only nominate a state health director who shared his "Christian values."

The Republican governor, a Baptist, was angered after the Missouri Senate effectively ousted Donald Kauerauf as director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Though Kauerauf opposes government mask and vaccine mandates and opposes abortion, hardline conservatives in the legislature questioned if he was conservative enough.

In announcing Kauerauf's resignation on Tuesday, Parson wrote in a statement: "Don is a public health expert that is on record opposing masking requirements and COVID-19 vaccine mandates. He is outspokenly pro-life and morally opposed to abortion. Missourians know that I share these beliefs and would not have nominated someone who does not share the same Christian values."

The statement prompted some to wonder if only Christians need apply for top-level jobs in the Parson administration.

Read more: https://www.newstribune.com/news/2022/feb/04/missouri-governors-christian-values-statement/
(Jefferson City News Tribune)