Former Senator Danforth discussed his book, Faith and Politics: How the ‘Moral Values’ Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together, published by Viking. He criticized the religious Right and made suggestions for moving toward a more secular Republican Party that inspires trust among citizens. He said that Christians should look to the Bible and Christian teachings for ways in which they can practice their faith daily and turn the country’s focus to a common ground and reconciliation. The guest interviewer was Charles Haynes.

John Danforth, an ordained Episcopal priest, was a former three-term Republican U.S. Senator from Missouri, an attorney, and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. In 2001 President Bush appointed him as special envoy for peace in Sudan.

Charles Haynes is a senior scholar at The First Amendment Center where he specializes in issues of religious liberty and the role of religion in American life. He is the director of education programs at the First Amendment Center and works on First Amendment issues in schools and communities. He is the co-author of The First Amendment in Schools and Finding Common Ground: A Guide to Religious Liberty in Public Schools. His column, “Inside the First Amendment,” appears in newspapers nationwide.