Former Republican National Committee Chair Speaks at SU | News Live at 6

By Ronnie Parrillo

Former Republican National Committee Chairman and Lieutenant Governor of Maryland Michael Steele delivered a lecture discussing the intersection between his faith and policymaking Monday night. 

Steele was this year’s speaker for the annual Borgognoni Lecture in Catholic Theology at Syracuse University. This year’s theme was “Be Not Afraid.” A message Steele drove home was that his faith and political service go hand-in-hand, and that serving others cannot be done without using your faith and morals, even if it comes down to losing an election. 

“In answering what this service commands, each one of us must not be afraid to stand in one’s faith against those who would ridicule you, stand in one’s faith against those who would distort the truth of your words or even stand in one’s faith against those who want to unelect you,” Steele said. 

Steele discussed his career as Lieutenant Governor and how his religious and pro-life views affected his stance on actions in the state such as the death penalty and aid for poverty-stricken communities. In his reflection of today’s political landscape, Steele said politicians from both parties have abandoned their most important job of serving their constituents for “air time” and popularity. 

Steele told young people in today’s world to understand their views and faith and “sitting down” until you are ready to participate in a meaningful way. He recommended leading with faith and good morals – no matter what you believe.

 You can watch Steele’s lecture on the Hedrick’s Chapel website.