Religion became a issue during the presidential campaign of 1960. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts was attempting to become the nation's first Catholic president. A key factor that was hurting Kennedy in his campaign was the suspicion against his Roman Catholic religion; some Protestants believed that, if he were elected President, Kennedy would have to take orders from the Pope in Rome.
To address fears that his Roman Catholicism would impact his decision-making, Kennedy famously told the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on September 12, 1960:
"I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters – and the Church does not speak for me."
He promised to respect the separation of church and state and not to allow Catholic officials to dictate public policy to him."
To address fears that his Roman Catholicism would impact his decision-making, Kennedy famously told the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on September 12, 1960:
"I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters – and the Church does not speak for me."
He promised to respect the separation of church and state and not to allow Catholic officials to dictate public policy to him."