US Presidential Hopefuls Address Christian Voters

(17 Aug 08 - RV) In the race to the White House, US presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama have addressed Christian voters at a televised religious forum in California.

Democrat Senator Barak Obama defended his support for abortion and same-sex civil unions, while Republican John McCain affirmed he was pro-life and supported preserving the status of marriage.

The forum was the senators' last joint appearance before their official nomination at their respective party conventions in a few weeks time.

The United States Bishops Conference meanwhile has launched a series of articles on issues they feel Catholics should take into account ahead of the Presidential vote.

A continuation of their election guideline document on Faithul Citzenship, the bishops invited experts to dwell on issues dominating public debate such as the right to life, racism, immigration, poverty and the war in Iraq.

We spoke with Stephen Colecchi Director of the Office of International Justice and. Peace of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: