Religious Tests for Office? An Oct. 14 Discussion of the Role of Religious Affiliation in American Politics, 2010 and Beyond

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Religious Freedom Education Project at the Newseum and Wesley Theological Seminary are sponsoring a discussion on "Religious tests for office? The role of religious affiliation in American politics," at 7 p.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Knight Conference Center at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.

Although Article VI of the U.S. Constitution prohibits any religious test for office, the religious affiliation of candidates often plays a major role in political campaigns. How important is religious affiliation in contemporary American elections? What religious tests do voters apply?  As former Gov. Mitt Romney prepares for another presidential run, and President Barack Obama combats confusion about his faith, this provocative discussion will examine the volatile mix of religion and politics, in 2010 and beyond.

Panelists for the program will include:

• Michael K. Young, president, University of Utah
• Shaun Casey, professor of Christian ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary
• David Saperstein, director, Religious Action Center
• Arsalan Iftikhar, contributing editor, Islamica Magazine

Moderator for the discussion will be Charles Haynes, director of the Religious Freedom Education Project at the Newseum and senior scholar at the First Amendment Center.

Attendees should use the Sixth Street entrance to the Newseum. Parking is available in the area. Although there is no fee for attending, registration is required. Please RSVP to Ashlie Hampton at [email protected], or 202-292-6288.

About the First Amendment Center

The First Amendment Center is a program of the Freedom Forum, and affiliated with the Newseum. The First Amendment Center's nonpartisan work supports the First Amendment and builds understanding of its core freedoms through education, information and entertainment. The center does not lobby or litigate.

About the Wesley Theological Seminary

Seated in the nation's capital, Wesley Theological Seminary prepares more than 1,000 students annually, representing more than 25 denominations, to become exemplary teachers, preachers, and leaders in the world today.

SOURCE First Amendment Center