Politics, religion topic of lunch-and-learn

To the editor:

Former U.S. Sen. John Danforth (R-Missouri) is someone I respect for his keen insights, thoughtful articulation and gentle manner. He was right when he said, 'The problem is not with people or churches that are politically active. It is with a party that has gone so far in adopting a sectarian agenda that it has become the political extension of a religious movement.”

The intersection of politics and religion is a topic relevant to Iowans as we sample the 20+ candidates seeking to be their respective party's nominee for president. And how lucky we are to have the insights of Iowa scholars like Professor Dennis Goldford of Drake University when he opens the 2015-16 season of the monthly Intersections lunch-and-learn series in Cedar Rapids. We'll get his take on how religion plays a part in the presidential campaign and he's sure to include conversation about religious freedom and the Iowa caucuses.

Intersections is open to the public and will meet Sept. 4 at 11:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Payable at the door, the $10 fee includes a lunch of soup, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. The program begins at noon and finishes at 1 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made via email to crintersections@interfaithallianceiowa.org or by calling (319) 364-6148.

Libby Slappey

Cedar Rapids Chapter

Iowa Interfaith Alliance