Original copy of Kennedy’s famous speech on religion from the publicity division of the Democratic National Committee, two pages both sides, 8.5 x 14, given before the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on September 12, 1960. Kennedy addresses his Catholic religion and the controversy surrounding it. In part: “While the so-called religious issue is necessarily and properly the chief topic here tonight, I want to emphasize from the outset that we have far more critical issues to face in the 1960 election; the spread of Communist influence, until it now festers 90 miles off the coast of Florida…the hungry children I saw in West Virginia, the old people who cannot pay their doctor bills, the families forced to give up their farms—an America with too many slums, with too few schools, and too late to the moon and outer space. These are the real issues which should decide this campaign. And they are not religious issues—for war and hunger and ignorance and despair know no religious barriers…contrary to common newspaper usage, I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who happens also to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters—and the church does not speak for me. Whatever issue may come before me as President—on birth control, divorce, censorship, gambling or any other subject—I will make my decision in accordance with these views, in accordance with what my conscience tells me to be the national interest, and without regard to outside religious pressures or dictates. And no power or threat of punishment could cause me to decide otherwise.” Bears an ink stamp to the upper right of the first page, “File Copy Do Not Remove,” and an ink office notation. A few small tears and paperclip marks to the upper left, otherwise fine condition. RR Auction COA.
