John Kerry plays the religion card

WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry has begun speaking more openly about his faith, a move political experts say is crucial to chipping away at president George W Bush’s advantage among churchgoers.

Kerry, a Roman Catholic, rarely addressed his faith during the primary season, but from his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention last month to regular visits to black and non-denominational churches, he is talking in more detail about God’s role in his life. At the Greater Grace Temple in Springfield, Ohio, last Sunday, Kerry told hundreds of worshipers he was running as a “lay leader” but added: “There isn’t any way that you’re not affected by your fundamental values, the faith that brings you to the table.”And he said his faith in God had helped him through personal tragedy.”I was at war, lost some of my best friends, those I grew up with and those I fought with,” the decorated Vietnam War veteran said.”And I sort of questioned, why does this happen, why did this happen, what’s going on? “We all question.And we learn that even though suffering, through loss, we get in touch with power, with the being, with the almighty.”- Nampa-ReutersAt the Greater Grace Temple in Springfield, Ohio, last Sunday, Kerry told hundreds of worshipers he was running as a “lay leader” but added: “There isn’t any way that you’re not affected by your fundamental values, the faith that brings you to the table.”And he said his faith in God had helped him through personal tragedy.”I was at war, lost some of my best friends, those I grew up with and those I fought with,” the decorated Vietnam War veteran said.”And I sort of questioned, why does this happen, why did this happen, what’s going on? “We all question.And we learn that even though suffering, through loss, we get in touch with power, with the being, with the almighty.”- Nampa-Reuters