Americans make some subtle distinctions about the role religion should play in government itself, but they strongly endorse the right of religious groups and leaders to speak out on social and political questions. Most have little fear that the country could be pulled into sectarian strife. Despite these differences, few see religious involvement as the magic solution to the nation's dilemmas. The public is also doubtful that religious leaders will get a fair hearing, since people are not confident in the news media's coverage of religion. The public is dubious about the media's fairness on religious issues, but these concerns are not especially intense.
Religious leaders have as much right as anyone else to participate in the political process.