SmallGovTimes.com

By: SGT News | Published on 12/06/07    

In a speech earlier today, Republican presidential hopefully and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney said that the liberty to choose and believe in religion is "fundamental to America's greatness".

"There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us," he said. "If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders."

Romney said that freedom requires religion, just like religion requires freedom. "Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God."

Romney, a Mormon, has faced opposition from some voters who view his religion as a negative qualifier for the presidency. Many will remember a video that surfaced several months ago showing Romney addressing a seated older voter who said he refuses to vote for a Mormon.

Romney's crowd was small, comprising around 300 people.

"Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for president, not a Catholic running for president," Romney said, speaking of John F. Kennedy.

"Like him, I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith."

"His speech will probably fall short of changing minds," said Steve Adcock, founder and editor of the Small Government Times. "His words today certainly won't influence public opinion on the man, especially among those who feel most strongly about his Mormon beliefs."

Original URL:
http://www.smallgovtimes.com/story/07dec06.romney.religion/index.html