JFK SPEAKS TO HOUSTON MINISTERS ON CATHOLIC ISSUE
Houston, Texas (JFK+50) On September 12, 1960, Democratic presidential nominee Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts spoke to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association at the Rice Hotel here in Houston.
The Senator addressed concerns among Protestants that as the first Catholic President of the United States, his religious views and the influences of his church might impact his executive decisions.*
Senator Kennedy said...
"Because I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured.
I am not the Catholic candidate for President.
I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who happens to be a Catholic."
The Senator continued...
"Whatever issue may come before me as President, I will make my decision...in the national interest and without regard to religious pressure or dictates."
Deane Kemper writes...
"It was the appearance before the clergy of Houston...that defused issues emanating from Mr. Kennedy's faith for the remainder of the campaign."
*The first Catholic candidate for POTUS was New York Governor Alfred E. Smith in 1928. Governor Smith, a Democrat, encountered prejudice against his faith which, in part, led to his defeat by Republican Herbert Hoover.
SOURCES
"Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association," by Senator John F. Kennedy, September 12, 1960, Rice Hotel, Houston, Texas, www.brighteningglance.org/
"Your Generous Invitation: Events Preceding the Appearance of John F. Kennedy Before the Greater Houston Ministerial Association," by Deane A. Kemper, www.houstonhistorymagazine.org/
Senator John F. Kennedy
Rice Hotel, Sept 12 1960
JFK Library Image
