A Mission of Faith

In last year's American presidential elections, people who said they went to church more than once a week favored George W. Bush over his Democratic challenger, John Kerry.

Faith played a key role in that election in other ways too. Some Catholics questioned John Kerry's right to receive communion because of his support of abortion rights. Evangelicals flexed their political muscle and agenda and helped George W. Bush win a second term.

Since then, the role of religion and politics is still hotly debated on both sides. Democrats are trying to show their positions are infused by faith; Republicans have tried to show that their moral concerns are deeper than abortion and gay marriage.

Now, two religious leaders are trying to bridge the faith divide. One is an evangelical Christian and the other is a rabbi. Hear a discussion of how they think faith can unite all Americans.

Guests:

Rev. Rob Schenck, Evangelical Christian, President of Faith and Action

Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Mark Silk,
Director of the Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life at Trinity College.