(LA Times) Doyle McManus: Shifting sands of religion and politics

American politics are more tolerant of different religious traditions than half a century ago, but that tolerance still has limits.

The door has opened for Catholics and even Jews to run for president, but Mormons still face a high hurdle ”” not to mention Muslims. And atheists? Don’t even ask.

So, yes, there’s a de facto religious test for office. It’s not administered by the government; it’s a matter of voters’ comfort level.

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