Religion and politics

In the past 150 years, Mormons in America have undergone a remarkable transformation, from outcasts to central players in American politics. Nevertheless, Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign brought to the fore a series of uncomfortable truths about America’s relationship with Mormonism. Despite hopes that his campaign would break down barriers for Mormons in America, Romney’s reluctance … Read more

When Henry IV, King of the Germans was excommunicated from the Catholic Church in 1076, he traded his royal robes for a hairshirt and walked barefoot to the Pope’s fortress in Canossa to lift his excommunication. Henry’s act of penitence lasted three days and the phrase “going to Canossa” thereafter came to denote an act … Read more