---
title: "Media Alert"
description: "Senator Lieberman Gives First Major Speech on Religion and Politics Since Campaign to Launch The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Events of the past year, including the presidential campaign’s focus on religion and politics, attention given to Attorney General Ashcroft’s religious convictions, and President Bush’s establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based […]"
date: "2001-03-01"
authors:
  - name: "Benjamin Wormald"
    job_title: "Senior Engineer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/benjamin-wormald/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2001/03/01/media-alert/"
---

# Media Alert

### Senator Lieberman Gives First Major Speech on Religion and Politics Since Campaign to Launch The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

Events of the past year, including the presidential campaign's focus on religion and politics, attention given to Attorney General Ashcroft's religious convictions, and President Bush's establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, illustrate that the role of religion in public life is no longer an underlying discussion. It is the discussion.

### CONTACT

**Mary Schultz**
Communications Manager
202.419.4556
[mschultz@pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/religion](mailto:mschultz@pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/religion)

Into this context comes the official launch of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life featuring Senator Joseph Lieberman's first major speech on the role of religion and public life since the presidential campaign. His address will be followed by a panel of political and religious leaders offering differing perspectives on the topic.

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| What: | The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Launch |
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| When: | Thursday, March 1, 20018:30 AM to 10:30 AM(Breakfast served.) |
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| Where: | The National Press Club |
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| Who: | Senator Joseph LiebermanCongressman Chet Edwards (D-TX)Congressman J.C. Watts (R-OK)Azizah Al-Hibri of the University of RichmondDavid Brooks, The Weekly StandardDavid Saperstein, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism |
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| RSVP: | Janeen Lawlor orRobbie Kaplan202.518.8047 |

The debate over issues at the intersection of religion and public life develops every day and it can be difficult to sift through the rhetoric to put the debate in context. The Forum will raise issues, challenge assumptions, engage debates, and promote consideration of how religion impacts public affairs and how public affairs impacts religion.