Last week, presidential candidate Mitt Romney delivered a speech to address perceived concerns about his faith in Mormonism. His speech was quickly compared to the one John F. Kennedy delivered when he was a presidential candidate in 1960. In Kennedy's case, the subject was his Roman Catholicism. Kennedy, of course, would soon become this country's first-ever Catholic president.

What does a candidate's religious belief say about what kind of leader he or she would be? Should religion even matter in the race for president?

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A Carlsbad church that prides itself in welcoming all to worship, is grappling with how to deal with a convicted sex offender who wants to be a part of their congregation, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. A firestorm of debate was unleashed when the pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ invited the convicted sex offender, Mark Pliska, to share his story during a church service. Some church members were outraged and expressed concern over the safety of the church's children.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ has asked Pliska to temporarily stop coming to services while questions and concerns are resolved.

Organizations that work with churches on dealing with sex offenders suggest having a written agreement with known sex offenders that limits their access to church grounds. They also say knowing about a sex offender in the congregation is far safer than not knowing.

What do you think? Should churches welcome sex offenders?

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The Catholic Diocese of San Diego announced Tuesday (Feb. 27) it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They made the move hours before it was scheduled to go to trial in the first of more than 140 lawsuits alleging sex abuse by priests. In a letter posted on the diocese's Web site, Bishop Robert H. Brom said the diocese made its decision because any damage awards in the earlier trials "could deplete diocesan and insurance resources" and leave nothing for other victims. Plaintiffs' attorneys expressed outrage at the filing and accused the church of using bankruptcy as a way to keep potentially embarrassing information under wraps.

Bishop Brom says, "Our participation in this process will demonstrate that this is not a 'cop out,' but a sincere effort to face up to our responsibility." What do you think?

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