Adam Maida

The following viewpoint is excerpted from a speech given by Cardinal Adam Maida of the Catholic Church before the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. In it, Maida argues that religious groups have a right and duty to participate in civic discourse and the legislative process. He maintains that only religion can provide the solid moral foundation for a just society, and he lists examples of how religious groups have helped bring about positive changes in American laws. He calls on Catholics to redouble their efforts to improve American culture, and cautions against using tones of condemnation or intolerance for other groups.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What role did the founding fathers intend for religion to play in public discourse, according to Maida?
2. According to Vaclav Havel, as quoted by the author...