Romney addresses summit of evangelicals

By Michael Kranish, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON -- Mitt Romney didn't give the full religion speech tonight that some Christian conservatives and others have been awaiting.

But before an audience of evangelicals at the Values Voter Summit, he did briefly raise the issue on many of their minds: The fact that many do not consider Mormonism to be a Christian faith. He did so by telling a joke.

"By the way, I imagine that one or two of you have heard I'm a Mormon," Romney said. "I understand that some people think they couldn't support someone of my faith."

Romney paused momentarily, then added: "But I think that's just because they've listened to Harry Reid," Romney said, referring the Democratic leader in the US Senate, who is also a Mormon.

Many in the audience of nearly 3,000 people laughed appreciatively, and Romney said that he was pleased that people of all faiths were supporting his candidacy. He did not return to the subject of his religion.

Romney also won a series of ovations as he outlined his plans for strengthening families, opposing abortion, and supporting a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

The summit audience also heard today from other Republican presidential hopefuls, including John McCain and Fred Thompson. Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee are scheduled to address the group on Saturday.