The conservative former Republican issued his personal manifesto as his adopted party opened its convention by fracturing into two separate meetings -- Buchanan backers and those of party founder Ross Perot.

"While the Reform Party platform is silent on what have come to be called the social, cultural and moral issues, I do not believe presidential candidates can remain silent," Buchanan wrote.

His "Statement of Personal Belief" stands in sharp contrast to the third party's platform, which calls for campaign finance and other government reforms. Instead, Buchanan pins the foundation of his campaign on social issues, pledging to eradicate late-term and taxpayer-funded abortions and to bar homosexuals from military service.

"I will put moral authority of the office behind the causes of life, faith and country, and support a rule of law based on a moral order that is rooted in Biblical truth and the laws written by God on the human heart," Buchanan said in the statement.

"High among the purposes of this campaign is to build a party that will set about making America a godly nation again."

Buchanan listed six pledges, if elected:

-Appoint only anti-abortion conservativews to the Supreme Court and impose term limits on federal judges.

-Eliminate taxpayer-funded abortions and fetal tissue research. He also pledged to outlaw late-term abortions, comparing the procedure to Nazi torture. "When one reflects that German doctors were executed after World War II for having participated in Hitler's euthanasia program, what does that say about us as a nation?"

-Require a "family impact statement" for proposed changes in U.S. social policy and tax reforms.

-Refuse to give homosexuals extra protection under civil rights laws. "Rampant sexuality (is) a sign of cultural decadence and moral decline from Rome to Weimar," he said, calling it "a lifestyle ruinous to body and soul alike."

-Exempt women from the military service except as volunteers.

-Put "the moral autority" of the presidency behind every decision.

The statement confirmed the fears of Buchanan's opponents, led by party officials who helped found the organization in its headier days when Perot captured 19 percent of the vote in 1992. The party has taken a hands-off approach to social issues, believing government should have no role in such personal matters.

"I don't think it's going to serve any purpose, saying things like that, which are just inflammatory," said Stanley Spink, a delegate from North Kingstown, R.I., who opposes Buchanan.

"You can be sure that's among the reasons people (in the party) have split," said his wife, delegate June Spink.

The battle for control of the party is aimed partly at gaining $12.5 million in federal funds that goes with the Reform Party nomination.

Allies of Perot, who has stayed silent, have rallied around little-known candidate John Hagelin as the only alternative to Buchanan.

On Friday, the dueling conventions are both planning to convene, which could mean two presidential candidates will be nominated.

Perot and Hagelin supporters on Thursday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission seeking to keep Buchanan from receiving the campaign money, and the matter could end up in the courts.

The complaint charged Buchanan with election fraud. He denies the charge, counting 70 percent of some 600 delegates and party Chairman Gerry Moan, who controls the party's finances, on his side.

"I'm depressed about the whole situation," said Wendall Kinney, a delegate from Maine who said he is neutral and helped found the party. "The country needs a third party, other voices, to survive."

Thursday morning, Perot supporters had stormed the Buchanan convention hall and were peacefully turned away before opening their own proceedings at a performing arts center down the block.

"We Shall Overcome," Perot supporters sang as they marched away.

"This reminds me of the old civil rights days of the 60s," Mississippi delegate Lee Dillsworth yelled into a bullhorn.

As they were being turned away, Hagelin supporter Patti Botvidson spied an orange pro-Buchanan flier beneath her feet and dug her right heel into the photo of the candidate's face.

Buchanan's supporters declared victory.

"We are the champions! No time for Hagelin, 'cuz we are the champions," sang Buchanan supporter Eric Albert of Los Angeles, a pair of boxing gloves hanging from his neck.

AP Political Writer Ron Fournier and reporter Scott Lindlaw contributed to this report.