Holsinger: Separation of Church and State?

Dr. Mohler has an interesting articlequoting various sources and adding his own commentary on why some are opposing this highly qualified nomination for Surgeon General. The opposition does not come because of any practice in this professional life, but rather votes in his local church and Methodist denomination.  Here is a quote from the end of Dr. Mohler’s article:

Dr. Holsinger’s record as a physician and public official is clear — he does not discriminate when it comes to medical treatment or health care.

So Dr. Holsinger is to be denied confirmation because as a member of his church’s highest tribunal he voted to uphold church doctrine and teaching? The Globeeven states that it would be somewhat assured if Dr. Holsinger would “renounce his previous views on homosexuality.”

The nomination of Dr. James Holsinger promises now to be a defining moment in American history. Will it now be necessary for a nominee to deny the teachings of his or her own church in order to be confirmed by the United States Senate?