Mitt Romney’s campaign has released extracts from his speech today on the role on faith in public life, or more cynically his explanation of why his Mormonism shouldn’t bother voters. Throughout the speech, Romney is keen to stress that there is more that unites religious folk than divides them. But a large part of the speech is a crude sectarian rallying cry, albeit aimed at atheists rather than followers of any conventional faith.
So, Romney tells us that:
Now, I certainly agree with the second half of the sentence but the first part of it seems dubious. Then he goes on to say,“Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom.”
In essence, he is saying atheists are un-American. The logical conclusion of Romney’s remarks is that no American should be criticised for their religious beliefs apart from those who believe in nothing.“I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from ‘the God who gave us liberty.'”
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in