Denver, Colo., Sep 2, 2008 / 02:09 am
The final Faith in Action panel at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday in Denver addressed the engagement of religious communities in religious outreach and the relationship between faith and politics. Touching on how a presidential candidate should speak about religion, the panelists addressed topics such as changing political attitudes in younger evangelical Christians and the place of pro-life Democrats in the party.
Rev. Romal Tune, from Clergy Strategic Alliances, discussed the limits of religious freedom and political criticism before the audience gathered in a ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center. He said a pastor’s “number one priority” is to protect his sheep. While parishioners might appreciate it if a pastor starts talking about candidates, Tune said, “they wouldn’t appreciate it if the IRS shows up.”
He encouraged churches to engage in legal political action, such as encouraging voter registration and ensuring parishioners have proper identification for voting.
Like many Faith in Action panelists, Rev. Tune tried to claim the language of morality for the Democrats.