Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback converts to Catholicism

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., a former United Methodist, has converted to the Roman Catholic Church, a spokesman confirmed.

"It's a personal decision," said aide Erik Hotmire, declining further comment.

The Catholic World News service said the conversion ceremony occurred June 28 at the Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C., with Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., as Brownback's sponsor.