Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said his Christian beliefs influence his political outlook and help him keep a “sense of perspective”.
The DUP leader made the remarks during Faiths of the Nation, a Christmas Day programme hosted by his predecessor Baroness Arlene Foster on GB News.
“My Christian faith has influenced the way that I interact with others, it has helped me through difficult and challenging times, not least in Northern Ireland,” the Lagan Valley MP said.
“It’s helped me to have a sense of perspective, to keep focused on what is really important in life, and of course it influences your approach as well on the wider policies and challenges that we face in politics today - the social issues that impact on us.”
He said those who suggest a politician can “somehow divorce” their faith fail to understand “what is at the heart of faith”.
The DUP leader, who has consistently failed to respond to interview requests from The Irish News, said he used his faith to cope with difficult media encounters.
“Going in to do a difficult interview with the media, for example, just taking time out to pray, gives you a sense of calm, a sense of peace, and that helps,” he said.