Joseph Eldridge moderated a panel on religion in American political life. Panelists talked about the use of religious themes in recent campaigns and political advocacy, the use of faith-based initiatives for funding social programs, and the tone of political dialog on moral issues such as school prayer, reproductive choice and instruction in intelligent design. They also talked about the historical underpinnings of faith movements in American democracy. Following their remarks they answered questions from the audience.


This was the second part of a day-long forum on the State of American Democracy was held at the Kay Spiritual Life Center at American University in which political leaders and scholars discussed the role of religion in politics, political consulting and the conduct of campaigns, changing directions of political parties, redistricting issues, the media’s public service role, and campaign finance reform.