Even among deeply religious Americans, there's no consensus on the proper role of religion in politics. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in Washington, D.C., recently invited two veteran politicians to address this issue: former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, and Congressman Mark Souder of Indiana. They were asked to speak about how they have reconciled personal religious conviction with serving a pluralistic American
constituency.
These two men represent two perspectives that are usually far apart. Mario Cuomo, a lifelong Roman Catholic, is a classic liberal Democrat. Mark Souder, a fundamentalist Protestant, is a conservative Republican. Not surprisingly, they disagree on a great deal. Yet they fundamentally concur that private religious belief can play a critical, positive role in a life in politics. In the highlights of their remarks, featured in this program, they also defy stereotypes of liberal and conservative, especially when it comes to the intersection of religion and politics.
Voices
 Mario Cuomo
Former Democratic governor of New York. |
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 Mark Souder
Republican representative from Indiana's 3rd district. |
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Related Links
• Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life seeks to promote a deeper understanding of how religion shapes the ideas and institutions of American society.
• Religion on the Stump: Politics and Faith in America: Read a complete transcript of the event at which Gov. Cuomo and Rep. Souder spoke.
• Mark Souder's home page
• Mario Cuomo's Web site
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