New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican presidential candidate, on Tuesday confessed that there’s one aspect of his Catholic faith where he hasn’t always followed the church.



"I'm a Catholic, but I've used birth control, and not just the rhythm method, OK?" Christie said at a restaurant in New Hampshire, as a man in front of him put his hand over his forehead.

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"My church has a teaching against birth control. Does that make me an awful Catholic? Because I believe, and practiced, that function during part of my life? I don't think so," Christie continued.



"But ya know what? I'm only going to find out when it's my time to be judged," he added, noting that he believed only God could judge him.



The governor’s remarks, which came during an informal discussion with potential Granite State voters, were part of broader remarks where Christie discussed his belief that religion shouldn't be part of politics and that biblical passages can be interpreted different ways.



Christie is among the top 10 GOP candidates in the RealClearPolitics average Tuesday morning after a barrage of national polls were released in recent days. That means he will likely make the stage for the first Republican presidential debate on Thursday night.