Article VI of the Constitution promises that, "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." So why did the Compassion Forum's moderators ask about Senator Clinton's belief in the Trinity, and what Senator Obama would tell his children about creationism?

Americans would be much better served by hearing Senators Clinton and Obama talk about how they will respect their constituents' religious diversity and how they plan to balance their private faith with their public oath to uphold the Constitution and the separation of religion and government.

Many important issues were discussed Sunday night. I only wish the moderators had pushed the candidates to elaborate on issues like teaching intelligent design in our public schools and government-funded religion paid for by your tax dollars, rather than asking questions that do little to move the national conversation on faith in public life forward.

Not all questions related to faith and public life need be what, in other circumstances, would be a clear violation of the civil rights of our candidates.

The Interfaith Alliance Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State via thier joint project, First Freedom First, have come up with a list of better questions about the relationship of faith and public life.

The media might try them out sometime:

1) Leaders on the religious right often say that America is a "Christian Nation." Do you agree with this statement?

2. Do you think Houses of Worship should be allowed to endorse political candidates and retain their tax exempt status?

3. Do you think public schools should sponsor school prayer or, as a parent, should this choice be left to me?

4. Would you support a law that mandates teaching creationism in my child's public school science classes?

5. Do you think my pharmacist should be allowed to deny me doctor-prescribed medications based on his or her religious beliefs?

6. Will you respect the rights of those in our diverse communities of faith who deem same-gender marriage to be consistent with their religious creed?

7. Should "faith-based" charities that receive public funds be allowed to discriminate against employees or applicants based on religious beliefs?

8. Do you think one's right to disbelieve in God is protected by the same laws that protect someone else's right to believe?

9. Do you think everyone's religious freedom needs to be protected by what Thomas Jefferson called "a wall of separation" between church and state?

10. What should guide our policies on public health and medical research: science or religion?

(Here is how John McCain answers the first question.)

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