Religion and politics at Liberty University

Mitt Romney is the latest politician to make a pilgrimage to the flagship Christian university.

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Aug. 16, 2003

The late Rev. Jerry Falwell founded Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., in 1971 "with a vision to train Champions for Christ." The school has more than 12,000 students on campus and 70,000 more enrolled online, making it the largest Christian university in the world.

Dave Martin / AP

May 13, 2006

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), left, and the Rev. Jerry Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University, talk as the school’s commencement begins. Liberty has become a pilgrimage site for conservative politicians seeking to gain the trust of the evangelical community.

Don Petersen / AP

Sept. 14, 2011

Jerry Falwell Jr., left, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry converse before the start of convocation at the Vines Center on the campus of Liberty University. Falwell took over as chancellor of the university after his father's death in 2007.

Jill Nance / AP

Sept. 14, 2011

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks to the student body at Liberty.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sept. 14, 2011

University students listen to Texas Gov. Rick Perry speak during a session of the school's thrice-weekly convocation, which the school's 12,000 students are required to attend.

Melina Mara / The Washington Post

Sept. 28, 2011

"Don't settle for anything less than what this great and almighty God has planned for you,” Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), then running for the Republican presidential nomination, told Liberty students.

Steve Helber / AP

Oct. 8, 2011

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks at the Extraordinary Women Conference at Liberty University.

Steve Helber / AP

May 15, 2010

Fox News commentator Glenn Beck addresses the graduating class of 2010. Beck, a Mormon, said the university's invitation was “an endorsement of your faith. This is a time when we all need to come together. We may have differences, but we need to find those things that unite us.”

Jill Nance / AP

May 19, 2007

A Liberty University graduating student holds a Newt Gingrich book and a commemorative photo of Jerry Falwell during the school's 34th commencement ceremony, the first without Rev. Jerry Falwell, in Lynchburg.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

May 19, 2007

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich addresses the Liberty University graduating class of 2007 during commencement.

Jill Nance / AP

May 8, 2004

Karl Rove, chief political adviser to President George W. Bush, speaks as the Rev. Jerry Falwell listens. Rove, who received an honorary doctorate in the humanities, told graduates to have the courage to "do what's right, regardless of consequence, fashion or fad."

Eric Brady / Getty Images

May 11, 1996

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas speaks at Liberty University's 25th anniversary graduation ceremony in Lynchburg, Va., to a full house of more than 9,000 graduates and family members at the college's Vines Center.

Doug Koontz / AP

May 6, 1995

Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Tex.) gives a thumbs up to the warm reception he received. Republican presidential candidate Gramm, who was the keynote speaker, was introduced by Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell as "a man who is living proof that integrity is a quality that still counts for something in American politics."

John McCormick / AP

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