Contact: Shannan Burke, Government Is Not God - PAC, 202-554-2358

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- William J. Murray, the chairman of the Religious Freedom Coalition, has endorsed Rick Santorum prior to the South Carolina GOP primary. Murray noted the strong stance taken by Rick Santorum on International Religious Freedom while serving in the Senate.

"Rick Santorum is a social conservative whose understanding of issues goes far beyond being pro-life and pro-family. Santorum has a grasp on economic issues and foreign affairs as well," said Murray.

On the issue of religious freedom Murray said of Santorum, "He thoroughly understands the current rise of radical Islam and how it poses a threat to Western civilization. Rick Santorum is committed to defending religious freedom not only here in America but around the world."

During his time in the Senate Rick Santorum established the International Religious Freedom Caucus. This caucus of Senators, in cooperation with outside groups, worked tirelessly for the freedom of religious minorities, particularly in repressive communist and predominantly Islamic nations where they are persecuted.

Murray has a mixed view of former Speaker Newt Gingrich. "Up to and during his time as Speaker of the House, I met with Newt Gingrich on numerous occasions. On one of those occasions he was promoting mandated health insurance that is the basis of Obamacare, which he is now against. I really like Newt Gingrich personally and believe him to be a brilliant man; however, the reality is that he has been on both sides of more issues than has Governor Mitt Romney."

Murray noted that his endorsement was personal and not that of the Religious Freedom Coalition (www.religiousfreedomcoalition.org) which is a non-profit organization. However, Murray is also the chairman of Government Is Not God - PAC (www.gingpac.org) which has officially endorsed Rick Santorum for the presidency.