Description: Mitt Romney talks about what Mormonism stands for.

Question: What is Mormonism?

Transcript: It’s a religion that was founded in 1820 or 1830, and flows from the Judeo-Christian values that have been part of this country from its founding.  I’m very proud of my faith, and believe that the values that I have are every bit as American as other faiths in our great land.

Question: What is Americans’ biggest misconception about the faith?

Transcript: Well, I’m probably not the one to answer that.  I don’t know.  It’s not terribly well-known as a faith; but I think as people get to know individuals like myself and my faith, they realize, “Okay you’ve got a different religion.” But our values – our beliefs about what’s right for America – flow from the same Judeo-Christian ethics and philosophy.” I think all of the faiths of this country draw us closer to God and make us better people.  And those that flow from the Judeo-Christian ethic like mine teach us that we’re all sons and daughters of God; that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world; that liberty is a gift of God; and that the words of the Bible are holy and uplifting.

Question: Do you think you need to explain yourself, like JFK did?

Transcript: You know, I get the chance to talk about my religion on a regular basis.  You ask questions about it, I’m happy to answer any questions I get as long as they talk about my values and what I do as a political leader.  And maybe someday I’ll give a speech like JFK did; but you know he sort of set the bar pretty high on that, so we’ll have to wait and see.   

Question: What is the role of women in the Mormon Church?

Transcript: The role of women is like that in other faiths.  We consider men and women to be partners.  I consider men and women to be partners; and that’s true not only in my home, but also in my faith; and certainly in my workplace and in the political sphere as well.

Recorded on: 11/26/07