Mike Pence says he's a Christian, Conservative, and Republican 'in that order'

Republican vice-presidential nominee and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said on Wednesday's Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio that he's a Christian first, Conservative next, and Republican last.

"He knows that the introduction I prefer is much shorter. I'm a Christian, a Conservative, and a Republican, in that order," Pence said after his long introduction by House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Ryan introduced the 57-year-old Hoosier governor to the audience as "a man of solid character who sees public service as a calling, not a career."

The house speaker also likened Pence to former President Ronald Reagan when he said that Pence "is a Reagan conservative through and through, pro-growth, pro-life, pro-strong defense."

Indeed, Pence's key legislations throughout the years reflected his Christian conservative values when he passed into law HB 1337, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and Indiana Senate Bill 91. Pence consequently earned the ire of pro-choice advocates and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups but also made him highly favored among Republicans and religious conservatives.

Even his speech sounded reminiscent of what Evangelical leaders David Jeremiah and Franklin Graham preached, particularly on the appointment of Supreme Court justices.

"This election will define the Supreme Court for the next 40," reminded Pence as he stressed the importance of this fall's presidential elections.

He also reminded the delegates at the convention that what unites the divided Americans is still far greater than the many things that set them apart.

"We are, as we have always been, one nation, under God," he said.

Pence promised to be faithful to his convictions and to pray every day for God's wisdom and guidance should he be elected.

"My fellow Americans, I believe we have come to another rendezvous with destiny, and I have faith ... faith in the boundless capacity of the American people and faith that God can still heal our land," Pence said.