Fifty years ago, almost to the day, then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy gave a stirring speech in response to concerns that his Catholic faith might keep him from executing the job of leader of the country. He emphasized his belief in the separation of church and state, assuring voters that his decisions would be made based upon fidelity to the Constitution.
It was a turning point in the election, as well as a strong defense of religious freedom for all Americans, making real the promise that there is no religious test for office in the United States. Candidates should not worry that their religion will be held against them, that moment teaches us, and citizens shouldn't worry that we will be governed by the President's religious views. The Constitution protects as all.
Tonight though, former Senator Rick Santorum, a possible presidential candidate in 2012 (though at this point, aren't we all?), will deliver an address purporting to challenge Kennedy's view, calling into question church-state separation when it comes to the policy directives of the government.
In the same city where Mr. Kennedy delivered his famous speech to the Houston Ministerial Association, Mr. Santorum will speak tonight to an audience at the University of St. Thomas, a Catholic liberal arts school.
The speech is titled "A Charge to Revive the Role of Faith in the Public Square" and billed as a "challenge" to Mr. Kennedy's remarks a half-century ago. Mr. Santorum was not made available for an interview about the speech.
Will post text or video when it becomes available after this evening.
