CNN reports that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will deliver a speech later this week on the topic of “Faith in America.” What it’s really about is an opportunity for the first American Mormon with a real shot at the Oval Office to explain Mormonism to Americans who may be unfamiliar with that faith and for Romney to explain the role his religion plays in his life and might play in his presidency.
As we will all hear many, many times in the coming days, JFK did this as a Catholic in his speech in Houston in the 1960 campaign. We also recall playing a role in helping explain aspects of Orthodox Judaism to Americans when Joe Lieberman was nominated to the national ticket in 2000. This is an appropriate aspect of American political discourse when engaged in with civility, respect and honesty.
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