Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who is leading many public polls in crucial states, today delivered a monumental address on religion in public life. Romney, a one-term governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, delivered the speech on religion in public life as political opponents and members of the news media are increasingly calling attention to Romney's personal faith. Mitt Romney is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Mitt Romney made the speech in the state of Texas, and was introduced by former President George W. Bush.

Here is an excerpt of Mitt Romney's address:

Over the last year, we have embarked on a national debate on how best to preserve American leadership.  Today, I wish to address a topic which I believe is fundamental to America's greatness: our religious liberty.  I will also offer perspectives on how my own faith would inform my Presidency, if I were elected.

"There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us.  If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator.  And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom.  In John Adams’ words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.'

"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God.  Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.

"Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an aspiring candidate's religion that are appropriate.  I believe there are.  And I will answer them today.

"Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for president, not a Catholic running for president.  Like him, I am an American running for president.  I do not define my candidacy by my religion.  A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith.

"Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions.  Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin. 

"As governor, I tried to do the right as best I knew it, serving the law and answering to the Constitution.  I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution – and of course, I would not do so as President.  I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law.

Read the entire text here.

EDITOR'S ANALYSIS:

This was akin to a second presidential campaign announcement, and Mitt Romney hit a home run. By clearly and articulately stating his intentions as the highest-ranking public official in the nation, Romney assured any wary voters that he would serve "no one religion" and would continue the American tradition of having no religious test for public office.

Mitt Romney appeared sincere and unshakable. It is likely Romney will get a significant boost in his support for directly taking on a very touchy and sensitive subject.

Mitt Romney did a stellar job today, not just in addressing concerns about his faith and how that personal issue would reflect in his presidency, but today's monumental address demonstates that the candidate will not shy away from tackling the hard questions. That is what makes him presidential.

(I have endorsed Mitt Romney's candidacy for president. However, there are authors and contributors on Red County San Bernardino who are backing other candidates and as always, I encourage them to freely offer commentary as well).

-Adam Aleman