Donald Trump said on Friday his best chance of getting to heaven stems from his plan to end a no-politicking rule that prohibits various churches and similar religious institutions from participating in certain political activities.
Trump told religious conservatives at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C., he would do away with a 1954 law pushed by then-Texas Sen. Lyndon Johnson Johnson that bars tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from explicitly endorsing political candidates. He also touted his experience meeting with various religious figures on the campaign trail.
“I’m so proud, I was just telling this to Tony [Perkins], to say that was my idea. I figure it’s the only way I’m getting to heaven. The only way,” Trump said at the Values Voter Summit. “So we’re going to get rid of it and we’re going to let your great people speak and you’re going to see something happen that’s very, very good. OK?”
Trump then implored the evangelical conservatives in the room to vote in November, lest another Democrat win the presidency.
“You have to get out and vote, you cannot — you didn’t vote four years ago, you didn’t vote,” Trump told the crowd. “Well a few of you did. Believe me I know. … This is your last chance.”
Fifty-nine days remain until Election Day.
