Romney To Give "Religion Speech"

Mormon Candidate Will Address His Faith As His Lead In Iowa Falls To Huckabee

(CBS)  By CBSNews.com Senior Political Editor Vaughn Ververs.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will deliver a much-anticipated speech on religious faith at the George H. W. Bush library on Thursday, CBS News has confirmed. Romney's Mormon faith has been an underlying theme of his presidential candidacy but, until today, it has been an area he and his campaign have shied away from addressing directly.

"This speech is an opportunity for Governor Romney to share his views on religious liberty, the grand tradition religious tolerance has played in the progress of our nation and how the governor's own faith would inform his Presidency if he were elected," said Romney spokesman Kevin Madden in a statement released Sunday evening.

On Monday, Romney said he decided to give the speech because the subject is of interest in early voting Iowa, according to the Associated Press.

"I can tell you I'm not going to be talking so much about my faith as I am talking about the religious heritage of our country and the role in which it played in the founding of the nation and the role which I think religion should generally play today in our society," Romney said in an interview with WBZ-AM.

He added: "I will also talk about how my own values and my own faith will inform my thinking if I were lucky enough to become president of the united states."

Romney also compared his run to when his father, former Michigan Gov. George Romney, ran for the White House in 1968, AP reports.

"…Times have changed and particularly in a state like Iowa, there's been interest in religion generally and I think religion does have a very important role in our society and therefore it's important to talk about our religious heritage," Romney said.

Throughout this campaign year, Romney has frequently been asked whether he would address his faith directly. Many evangelical Christians view the Mormon Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, critically. And voters in general have expressed hesitance about voting for a presidential candidate who subscribes to that faith. Last June, 43 percent of registered voters in a CBS News poll said they would not vote for a presidential candidate who is Mormon.

Romney has frequently been asked whether he would consider delivering a speech about his faith along the lines of the address John F. Kennedy gave when his Catholic faith provoked a similar discussion in the 1960 presidential campaign.

When asked about the possibility of giving such a speech by CBS News chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer last month, Romney replied, "I probably could never do something that would compare to what John F. Kennedy did - his was a masterpiece in American political history." Romney continued, "Maybe there's a time when I talk mostly about religion. Although, I don't know, at this stage I'm getting good support across the country, people want to know a bit ... a bit about my faith. They learn a bit about it, and they'll say, 'OK, that's fine, now what do you think about the jihad? What do you think about being competitive with China? How can you fix your schools? What're you going to do about health care?' And those issues overtake any differences with regards to religion they might see."

The speech comes at a moment in the campaign when Romney's once-dominant lead in Iowa has eroded. He trails former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, in the most recent poll in the first-in-the-nation caucus. Social conservatives in Iowa, who wield plenty of influence in the caucuses, seem to have vacillated between candidates like Romney and Fred Thompson but appear to be coalescing around Huckabee. Romney's decision to address his faith directly looks to be an attempt to soothe evangelicals who may be having second thoughts.

"Governor Romney understands that faith is an important issue to many Americans, and he personally feels this moment is the right moment for him to share his views with the nation," Madden said in his statement. For Romney, it is a crucial moment in the campaign, one which will put his faith under the kind of spotlight he has sought to avoid until now.

[candide777]

"This speech is an opportunity for Governor Romney to share his views on religious liberty, the grand tradition religious tolerance has played in the progress of our nation and how the governor''s own faith would inform his Presidency if he were elected," said Romney spokesman Kevin Madden in a statement released this evening.

In other words, this will be one of the biggest snow jobs by Romney to date, intended to lull you into thinking that he''s not going to force his religious agenda upon you after he''s elected, but one thing we know about religious conservatives, they won''t rest until everyone affirms their beliefs either voluntarily or by force.

[oeangus]

Religion in American politics is a joke. And a dangerous one at that.

[mvslkv]

Candide77, thank you for your opinion. i can''t speak for romney (i don''t know the guy)and may you can help me out: what grounds has romney given you to believe that he won''t rest utnil everyone affirms to his religious beliefs?

[suetcall]

A candidate''s religion shouldn''t be an issue. This country was originally created because of a desire for religious freedom. Why is anyone even questioning Mr. Romney about his religious beliefs when they don''t care a whit about Obama''s? I would be much more concerned about a president who is a Muslim than a Mormon because a Muslim takes a vow to make his first allegiance to Islam, which knows no national boundaries. At least Mr. Romney is willing to put his hand over his heart and pledge allegiance to the United States of America! I know quite a few Mormons and they don''t try to force their religion on me or anyone else. They are all descent, hardworking people.

[debrar3]

YAHOOO !!!
I am a %u201CMormon%u201D (a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and I believe in Jesus Christ. I am a Christian. Yet, there are people who say that because I do not believe as THEIR demonination believe, hence %u2013 so many religions, so many denominations, than I cannot be a Christian, that I belong to a cult. Do you know how rude, arrogant, and offensive this is?

Who decides if I am a Christian or not?

Do you decide if I am a Christian? Is that your role?

What is a Christian?

I have read and heard so many lies about my church that it is appauling that these people can say they follow the Savior.

The Savior I know encourages unity.

Jesus prayed, as quoted in John 17:
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

[suetcall]

A candidate''s religion shouldn''t be an issue. This country was originally created because of a desire for religious freedom. Why is anyone even questioning Mr. Romney about his religious beliefs when they don''t care a whit about Obama''s? I would be much more concerned about a president who is a Muslim than a Mormon because a Muslim takes a vow to make his first allegiance to Islam, which knows no national boundaries. At least Mr. Romney is willing to put his hand over his heart and pledge allegiance to the United States of America! I know quite a few Mormons and they don''t try to force their religion on me or anyone else. They are all descent, hardworking people. No Mormon has ever tried to enforce their religion with ''the sword''. Yet we witness daily examples of Muslims doing just that! Pay attention to his governing record first. Judge him on how he has governed the State of Massachusetts not on how he prays on Sunday.

[tunesmithccr]

Candide - Inflammatory rhetoric breeds more inflammatory rhetoric. How many actual religious conservatives do you actually know? Can you count them among your friends? Are where are you getting your information?

Would it surprise you to know that there are many religious conservatives who believe that you must be called by God Himself and that evangelism (as you describe it) is a waste of time and even unbiblical? You never hear about them... care to guess why?

I believe I understand where you are coming from. I grew up in a conservative evangelical environment, and I have a strong distaste for the urge that some religious conservatives feel to foist their views upon anyone and everyone.

You don''t seriously believe that religious conservatives are singular in exhibiting this trait? Some of the most religious, dogmatic fundamentalists I know would call themselves secular progressives.

They''re just dogmatic about different things.

I myself am among the rarest and oft unwelcome of sorts, a politically independent Christian working in the entertainment field.

I say again that inflammatory rhetoric only breeds more inflammatory rhetoric. It''s a self-fulfilling prophesy, to use a little biblical language.

[suetcall]

A candidate''s religion shouldn''t be an issue. This country was originally created because of a desire for religious freedom. Why is anyone even questioning Mr. Romney about his religious beliefs when they don''t care a whit about Obama''s? I would be much more concerned about a president who is a Muslim than a Mormon because a Muslim takes a vow to make his first allegiance to Islam, which knows no national boundaries. At least Mr. Romney is willing to put his hand over his heart and pledge allegiance to the United States of America! Pay attention to a candidate''s ability to govern not how he prays on Sunday.

[suetcall]

A candidate''s religion shouldn''t be an issue. This country was originally created because of a desire for religious freedom. Why is anyone even questioning Mr. Romney about his religious beliefs? No one seems to care a whit about Obama''s? I would be much more concerned about a president who is a Muslim than a Mormon because a Muslim takes a vow to make his first allegiance to Islam, which knows no national boundaries. At least Mr. Romney is willing to put his hand over his heart and pledge allegiance to the United States of America! Pay attention to a candidate''s ability to govern not how he prays on Sunday.

[debrar3]

mvslkv:
You are a basic example of what I am talking about. You *** someone IF they don''t do what you expect, and you *** them if they DO do what you expect.

It appears that you have an agenda, and it is more than political.

Are you just pretending to follow Christ?

We do have Freedom of Religion here in America.

Mitt Romney is running for President of the U.S., not president of your church.

[debrar3]

I am not certain why the *** appeared, but maybe it helped make for a stronger statement. LOL!

[nmsuip]

So what? He can worship the Flying Spaghetti Monster for all I care. I won''t vote for him anyway.

[kgj1264]

What matters is how his faith affects his leadership ability.

His faith is very important, it will be interesting to hear this speech.

I know many Mormon leaders in business and they are upright honest businessmen who do a great job.

[suetcall]

A candidate''s religion shouldn''t be an issue. This country was originally created because of a desire for religious freedom. Why is anyone even questioning Mr. Romney about his religious beliefs? No one seems to care a whit about Obama''s? I would be much more concerned about a president who is a Muslim than a Mormon because a Muslim takes a vow to make his first allegiance to Islam, which knows no national boundaries. At least Mr. Romney is willing to put his hand over his heart and pledge allegiance to the United States of America! Pay attention to a candidate''s ability to govern not how he prays on Sunday.

[jcr103]

It''s unfortunate that Romney has to bend over backwards to appease the intolerant religious right but that''s the deal with the devil Republicans have made for themselves by pandering to the idiot fringe to get votes.

[jsilver2th]

Why don''t you ask Mitt why he says that the Scientology Ron Hubbard novel is his favorite book and ask him if he would rule out putting a qualified Scientologist on his cabinet? See how far this tolerance thing goes.

[ursus_rexx]

What I''d like to know from Mitt Romney, (...and ALL the other ''pseudo_religious_blashphemers'' running for U.S. ''Blame_Shifter in Chief'' is, what will they do, if elected, to protect me, (a ''Catholic-turned-NeoPagan_Poly_Theist''), from, (for example), taxi drivers at Midlands airport, who won''t service me if I have a bottle of booze? ...Or Pharmacists who wouldn''t provide ''Plan-B'', (which is ''time - sensitive''), if I''m a rape victim?
...Or Rev. Fred Phelps, (Topeka Baptist), who is proud to state that American service people murdered by Bush''s Oil & Weapons Profiteering in Iraq, were killed by a ''vengeful Diety'', who opposes Gay Rights & is (therefor), ''punishing'' America?

[micma-2009]

Poor fella. The sword of fascism cuts both ways. His party will not forgive that he''s not a Christian.

[homjett]

Should we exempt all Mormons from running for office in this country. Lets ask all Mormons that have been elected to resign. Goodbye Sen. Reid, Majority Leader of the Senate, Sen Hatch also, an many more. Sounds silly to me, that the religious folks would be so against someones religion. I am a Southern Baptist, but that does not mean that I will vote for Rev. Huckabee. I feel that this nation needs someone like Gov Romney who can as a business man with a provin track record, bring this country together again.

[eworthi]

Looks like another Romney politically pandering flip-flop in the making. The guy just does''nt get it. I am a Huckabee supporter, and I could give a hoot about Romney''s faith, he''s the one making an issue out of it!

[eworthi]

He turned around companies, he turned around the Olympics; now he is running to turn around the country...but has only managed to turn around his own campaign.

[handyre]

Suggest Romney read "Born Again Mormon" before he gives his speech. It clearly defines what it means to be a mormon and what it means to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Try website www.bornagainmormon.com for more info.

[patriotic9]

If Romney consider a NON-AMERICAN LAND a HOLY LAND and NON-AMERICAN PEOPLE "GOD-CHOSEN", he is an enemy of United States like all the other enemies of United States.

If he believes in sacrifising GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN MONEY, GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN LIVES and UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES for a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and a NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND far away from any state or territory of United States, he is also an enemy of United States like other DOMESTIC ENEMIES of UNITED STATES we face in our country.

[patriotic9]

It clearly defines what it means to be a mormon and what it means to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Posted by handyre at 08:12 PM : Dec 02, 2007

How can anybody be loyal to the United States while believing in ISLAMIC RADICAL "JESUS" as his lord and savior, who opposed HOMOSEXUALS'' RIGHT OF MARRIAGE just like his fellow ISLAMIC RADICAL BROTHER "OSAMA BEEN FORGOTTEN"!!!

[downtowner97]

There was a time when Romans put Christians in an arena with lions and people would watch as the Christians ran around until they were killed. Now the lions aren''t necessary. You can watch all the different kinds of Christians fight. Christianity continues to splinter into ever different groups.

Someone from a Baptist church in one city, for example, might go to a Baptist church from another city and be completely furious with what they see and hear.

[felkner-2009]

Hey, Sue. I bet you would sing a different tune if Romney, or anyone else for that matter, were a practicing satanist, witch, or hari-chrishna(?).

The point is not their religious beliefs. The DECISION making process to follow such beliefs IS important. If he were a satanist, you would be valid in questioning his(or anyones) decision making abilities.

The fact that he needs or feels compelled to give a "speech" on mormonism and its faith, goes directly towards his decision making abilities. I think we all could do without the lecture, right? In fact, I would guarantee that the majority would all feel it to be unneccessary, a bad decision. Using the Bush Sr. library, as though that is something or some place of significance, just illustrates the Repubs disconnect with real people, especially conservatives.

The mormon issue, as it pertains to me(and those of us who hold Christianity as a reality that is held higher than political affiliation), is a false belief. They, the LDS church, are worshipping a false god. They say Jesus this and Jesus that, but they are far from being Christian. And if Rudy is concerned about some cultist, the fact that any Repub would consider false gods and their worship as acceptable practice for the Repub party, illustrates an even further disconnect.

False gods, homosexual affairs, drunken sailor spending, systematic police state tactics....give me a break. these guys are not repubs nor are they conservatives.

[edward1975-2009]

I love people who get the words religion and christian confused. You don''t have to be religious to be christian. This is also the same group that believes that the US was set up to be a democracy, when this is furthest from the truth. This great nation was set up by the framers to be a republic, and it has been our slide from this that will cause our demise. Our ignorance of the core beliefs of the framers has already resulted in the loss of personal rights that will never be given back.

[johnshaft4]

Mitty, is talking salamander good eatin''? (In my worst drunk I have never had a lizard tell me to start a ''religion'') What''s up with the gold tablets? Are they door stops or paper weights somewhere?

[erpcat]

phony romney is as slick and slimy as they come. this man will say anything just to get elected. if i want to hear a sermon i go to church

[happypappy19]

Hey handyre! and maybe you should read The Book Of Mormon and see how powerful of a witness it gives of Jesus Christ. Don''t believe all the lies put out by Preach for profit evangelists who feel threatened because of the amount of cream of the crop members they have lost over the years to the LDS church. The truth of the matter is the reason there are so many lies and half truths spread about the LDS church is because it is a not for profit church and is largely made up of non paid lay ministers. It is also the true church of Jesus Christ. By their fruits ye shall know them. Start researching the lives of any of our leaders in our church and you will find they are made up of the most honorable and honest men this country has ever had. Do not rely on our church enemies for your information. For example if you want to truely know what the Jewish people believe go to them not to the Palistinians. If you want to know what the LDS truely believe go to them and find out, not to Preach for money ministers.

[happypappy19]

JohnShaft4 Your comment is so full of ignorance that it isn''t even worthy of any reply go back to your booze buddy!

[johnshaft4]

happypappy- You can''t answer it, huh? Perhaps the "gold tablets" brought by angel Moron(i) had to be melted down to provide "wedding" rings for Smith''s numerous "wives".

[kadeedd]

Why has no one mentioned the Mormon teaching that says that all men who are ''worthy'' (do their temple recommends, live holy lives according to Joseph Smith, etc.) can become GODS of their own planets, just like Jesus did??? This is why this ''religion'' is considered a cult among Christians. That is such a blasphemous teaching that it is considered cultish. ANd why would we want a man in power who believes that someday he too will become God of his own planet? Think before you vote.

[bot14]

The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is often accused by Evangelical pastors of not believing in Christ and, therefore, not being a Christian religion. This article http://mormonsarechristian.blogspot.com/ helps to clarify such misconceptions by examining early Christianity''s comprehension of baptism, the Godhead, the deity of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) adheres more closely to First Century Christianity and the New Testament than any other denomination. Harper%u2019s Bible Dictionary entry on the Trinity says %u201Cthe formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the New Testament.%u201D

Perhaps the reason the pastors denigrate the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is to protect their flock (and their livelihood). It is encouraging that Paul Weyrich, Wayne Grudem and Bob Jones III, (along with Jay Sekulow and Mark DeMoss) have rejected bigotry and now support Mitt Romney on the basis that he is the most moral candidate with the best qualifications.

[debrar3]

JohnShaft4-


Matthew 7:3
[1] Judge not, that ye be not judged.
[2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
[3] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother''s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
[4] Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
[5] Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother''s eye.


You are clueless regarding the "Mormon" religion and I suggest you spend your time perfecting yourself with your own church.

You are unfair when you mislead others.

No one need believe like you do, just as no one need believe as I do.

Freedom of Religion!!

[atyou10]

I find it ironic that people are so concerned with Romney''s beliefs. If anyone cares to read what is written in the Bible...parting of the Red Sea, walking on water, a talking donkey, and a man swallowed by a whale...some pretty unusual events that test convential thinking.

I think Gov. Romney is very smart, received his B.A., with Highest Honors, from Brigham Young University in 1971. In 1975, he was awarded an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Scholar, and a J.D., *** laude, from Harvard Law School. He''s had an extrordinary career in both business and government. He is the only candidate that could even begin to turn around our economy and get rid of our trade deficit.

Gov. Romney is far and away the best candidate.

[johnshaft4]

Debrar3- We "judge" every time we vote.

[rheola-2009]

The world of politics would be a better place if the superstitions and lies of religon were kept out of it.

Just have a look around the world, present and past, all that suffering and killing as a result of, and in the name of religon

[debrar3]

Maybe the word should be "discern" -- use the power of discernment. I understand what you are saying, and I''ve had this same conversation with others before, along with reviewing it myself. And the reason why I suggest discern isn''t to be ornery, it''s because it has a different approach than judgement does. One can be an evaulation, whereas the other can be a condemnation.

The main reason for my comment was because this election has not brought out the best in some, and therefore some bloggers have been bashing my church, and it is not their''s to bash -- if you were trying to act like the Savior that is. I do not bash others beliefs, and so I find it offensive when others do not show me the same respect, especially when they don''t even state the truth.

I think we should encourage each other to be a unified people, and this involves more than the topic of religion.

[handyre]

happypappy19 etal. I would prefer to read the Bible in its original language to understande the intent and words of the writers of the 66 books in that book. I happen to know the author of "Born Again Mormon" and he it not a "Preach for profit" evangelist. Go to his website and he will send you his book free. He has a true heart for the lay mormon''s who have not even read the Bible to know what it says about Jesus Christ and yet follow the manmade doctrine in the Book of Mormon. Read Revelation 22:18-19 regarding adding to the Bible.

[feelfree1]

The Momon religion/cult is goofyer than most.

They believe that if they are good Mormons, they get their own planet to rule over (men), and harem of submissive women at their disposal to help them to populate their private planet.

I believe that one of their top prphets is named "Nimrod"- like the slang term for the female sexual aid.

David Koresh had nothing on these Zealous kooks.

[drewsky_5]

What I find so interesting is how "Mormonism" is suddenly an issue in politics. Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, is a Mormon. Why is it an issue for Mitt Romney, and not for Harry Reid? Stupid question....it''s because he''s a Republican! Talk about a double standard!

[johnshaft4]

Does anyone know an effective way to repell those obnoxious Mormon ''missionaries'' that accost us on the streets and upset our tranquility by ringing our door bells? Do we wear a bag of coffee? Make a cross out of empty beer cans? Hang a dead salamander on our doors?

[edward1975-2009]

FeelFree1: As usual mis-information flows from your uneducated pie hole, if your not quoting sites beneath the National Enqiurer, your spouting flat out lies. It''s better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. And as for Nimrod....I think we''ve covered that.

[holyinstant]

I am a Christian minister who is aware that all religions start out as cults. Christianity was a cult when it first started. There is nothing inheritently evil about a cult. Even Barack Obama has a cult following.

As for the Romney speech, here is a dynamite sample speech:
http://christianprophecy.blogspot.com/

[drewsky_5]

What I find so interesting is how "Mormonism" is suddenly an issue in politics. Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, is a Mormon. Why is it an issue for Mitt Romney, and not for Harry Reid? Stupid question....it''s because he''s a Republican! Talk about a double standard!

[handyre]

ps to happyp
I HAVE been to the temple in Salt Lake City and the temple in Jerusalem. Nice buildings but God is bigger than that. I have seen and heard Mitt Romney in person and think he could be a good President. Certainly better than Bill''s wife. Agree with you that JohnShaft4 may be off base.

[edward1975-2009]

JohnShaft4: Ever try" Sorry not interested". Works with most. But hey, why be civilized when you can be a complete jerk. Little tact goes a long way.

[johnshaft4]

Edward1975- So, you won''t mind if I ring your door bell while you are having fun with one of your wives to sell you some salamander seasoning? Or,when you are in the middle of an important cell phone call while walking on the street?

[drewsky_5]

FlangeSqueal: Who is "we"? I''m living in the same America that you do. You''d be surprised to find out how many of your neighbors are Mormons, and who aren''t "out of whack." "We" (our country) reject the kind of hate and bigotry that YOU are showing to your fellow countrymen.