Rather than just pandering to left-leaning supporters, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders plans to address an audience at a conservative Christian college next month.

The Vermont senator and self-proclaimed Democratic socialist released a statement announcing that he will be a speaker at the Sept. 14 convocation at Liberty University, a Virginia-based evangelical school with traditionally strong political ties to the Republican Party.

"Liberty University was kind enough to invite me to address a convocation and I decided to accept," reads the statement released by the Sanders' campaign Wednesday evening. "It goes without saying that my views on many issues -- women's rights, gay rights, education and many other issues -- are very different from the opinions of some in the Liberty University community."

"I think it is important, however, to see if we can reach consensus regarding the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in our country, about the collapse of the middle class, about the high level of childhood poverty, about climate change and other issues," Sanders added.

Sanders' speech will be part of a series of talks delivered at the conservative school, reports Think Progress.

Liberty University was founded by the late Southern Baptist pastor and famous political commenator icon Jerry Falwell. The school is known for being a highly sought-after pulpit for Republican officials like former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who delivered the school's commencement address earlier this year. Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas launched his presidential campaign in the university's auditorium back in March. Previous GOP presidential nominees John McCain and Mitt Romney have also spoken at the school.

Other speakers expected to visit Liberty this year include "Duck Dynasty" reality stars Korie and Sadie Robertson, GOP Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert, and Heritage Foundation head Jim DeMint.

"It is very easy for a candidate to speak to people who hold the same views. It's harder but important to reach out to others who look at the world differently," added Sanders.