[KIM] LAWTON: The gathering was part of a new Democratic strategy to incorporate religion and more aggressively reach out to faith-based voters. Observers say it’s a sea change from 2004, when the Democrats appeared reluctant to address issues of faith.
Reverend ROMAL TUNE (Clergy Strategic Alliances): Four years ago, the party was still gaining momentum in terms of the outreach in the religious community. But now the party is more willing to express its views as people of faith, the diversity of the faiths represented by the Democratic Party.
LAWTON: But when it comes to religion, the Democratic Party still has some major challenges to overcome.
LAWTON: According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, only 38 percent of Americans think the Democratic Party is friendly toward religion. That compares to more than half of all Americans who think the Republican Party is friendly toward religion. Democratic leaders hope the prominent role of faith at this convention will change those perceptions.
The Democrats incorporated faith on many fronts here. As is the tradition for both political parties, various religious leaders opened and closed every floor session with prayer. Faith-based groups were part of a service day where delegates were encouraged to do volunteer work. Some delegates helped out at a feeding program at Trinity United Methodist Church. Kathy West, a United Methodist delegate from Illinois, was one of them.
KATHY WEST (Illinois Delegate): We’re the party closest to the people, in my opinion. That’s one of the reasons I am a Democrat.
I think West’s citation, above, encapsulates the problem for either party: to be “of the people” in a secular society means that you have to embrace secular goals, which often contradict religious goals. I.e.:
[blockquote] Inside the convention Joe Turnham, who opposes abortion, argued for a more consistent life ethic that would include issues like poverty and the war. He believes Democrats have the advantage over Republicans on that front.[/blockquote]
Now, consider that Sen Obama just got done calling the surge an unexpected “success”. Probably in secular terms, that assessment is pretty accurate. But if you are a convinced pacifist on religious grounds, then the surge can in no way be termed a “success”. This is an example of how religious and secular goals can be irreconcilable.
I think we got a good look at the Democrats’ affection for Christianity last weekend, when there was no slander of Sarah Palin too vile that it would not be uttered, including her religion.