Carson tells AP Seventh-day Adventism is right faith for him

In this photo taken Oct. 28, 2015, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson discusses faith during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press at a hotel in Broomfield, Colo. In a wide-ranging interview about his faith with The Associated Press, Ben Carson expressed pride in his little-known Seventh-day Adventist church, but also sought some distance from it, framing his beliefs in the broadest Christian terms as his surging campaign prompts scrutiny of his religion.(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) In this photo taken Oct. 28, 2015, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson discusses faith during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press at a hotel in Broomfield, Colo. In a wide-ranging interview about his faith with The Associated Press, Ben Carson expressed pride in his little-known Seventh-day Adventist church, but also sought some distance from it, framing his beliefs in the broadest Christian terms as his surging campaign prompts scrutiny of his religion.(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

By Associated Press October 29, 2015 1 min read

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) – As his surge in heavily evangelical Iowa puts a spotlight on his faith, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson is opening up about his membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Carson says it’s the right faith for him. But he’s also framing his beliefs in broad terms that aim to transcend divisions among Christians.

The retired neurosurgeon tells AP that his relationship with God is “the most important aspect.” He says, “It’s not really denomination specific.”

The interview with AP marks Carson’s most expansive comments about his church since he joined the 2016 presidential campaign.

Voters have come to know him for his faith-infused policy stands, including his opposition to abortion and gay marriage, without hearing much from him about his Adventism.