Why do you think Kennedy had to speak about being a Catholic to the country before the election? Of course it matters when your church has a history of bad stuff. The question is really more like a test-is your first loyalty to your country or your church-and obviously the answer will be somewhat murky since most people are loyal to their church only to a degree-but to what degree? We dont have Mullahs here, but if we elect a minister for instance and he is making important decisions based on his beliefs in God rather than our legal system, should that not be a concern?