Topic: Public Religion Research Institute

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The gay marriage paradox: as acceptance rises, so do legal barriers

President Obama's embrace of gay marriage mirrors growing support among many Americans, but states continue to ban it. The US Supreme Court could play a key role.
Mitt Romney courts evangelicals at Liberty University

Mitt Romney’s Mormon religion has been a problem for some evangelicals. At conservative Liberty University Saturday, Romney stressed Christian values without mentioning his own faith, part of an apparently successful effort to win over evangelicals and other social conservatives.
Decoder Wire
Obama slipping among young white voters

Obama won white voters ages 18 to 29 in 2008 by 10 percentage points over the GOP's John McCain, according to a recent Pew Research poll. He leads Mitt Romney among that group by only two points.
Student loans: Obama's bid to rekindle 'Yes We Can' among youths

Young voters aren't as enthusiastic as they were four years ago, meaning turnout could decline. So Obama is touring universities in North Carolina, Colorado, and Iowa to talk about student loans.
The Vote
Political fallout from birth control fight: A glimmer of good news for Obama?

Under fire from Catholic bishops and others, the Obama administration had to backtrack on contraception and health insurance. But many Catholics differ with the church hierarchy over birth control.
Evangelical leaders try to unite behind Rick Santorum

Evangelical leaders want to use whatever clout they have to help a strong conservative advance in South Carolina’s primary, upsetting frontrunner Mitt Romney, who is viewed as too moderate.
Will Mitt Romney's 'Mormon moment' help his campaign?

When a Dallas pastor called Mr. Romney’s faith – Mormonism – a 'cult' at a recent convention of Christian conservatives, he brought into the open the role of religion in the primaries.
Vinegar of politics needs honey of civility

Personal attacks in politics are a mirror of a society's slide toward social incivility. How can civility be restored? The topic is attracting interest.
Vox News
CNN covered interfaith call to oppose Koran burning. Who didn't?

Cable news outlets showed limited interest Tuesday afternoon in a press conference where church leaders from a variety of faiths called for a united front against Koran burning and other aspects of Islamophobia.
California gay marriage ruling: political hot potato

Hot-button issues like the California gay marriage ruling have cropped up in the run-up to fall midterms. Then again, the economy is the big issue energizing Republicans.
Iowa's top court brings gay marriage to America's heartland

The unanimous ruling held that the state's same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional.
Study: Election created new 'values voter'

Rejecting 'culture wars,' most people of faith signal desire for politics that build bridges.
Gains for Obama among people of faith

He wins backing of 6 in 10 people who attend religious services once or twice a month, a gain for Democrats since 2004, new survey finds.