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Religious power, which, as I have already said, frequently identifies itself with political power, has always been a protagonist of this bitter struggle, even when it seemingly was neutral.

Difference of religion breeds more quarrels than difference of politics.

Religious conflict can be the bloodiest and cruelest conflicts that turn people into fanatics.

The struggle of democratic secularism, religious tolerance, individual freedom and feminism against authoritarian patriarchal religion, culture and morality is going on all over the world - including the Islamic world, where dissidents are regularly jailed, killed, exiled or merely intimidated and silenced.

We've got to find ways of confronting the issues that divide - and at the heart of cultural issues, you often find religions.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned that many regions of this world are suffering from the effects of armed conflicts with religious aspects. I believe that the differences of faith are not the real reason for these conflicts.

Our world is at the crossroads. We have a choice, right and wrong.

In American religious history, theological qualms tend to get pushed aside when politics intervenes.