Newsweek
has an interesting interview with mega-church pastor Joel Osteen who has
remained a neutral figure in the presidential election. While Osteen yields
enormous power from his 40,000 plus congregation and television following, he
does not believe it prudent to mix faith and politics. Osteen: "If one of the
presidential candidates were to attend, they certainly deserve honor. I think
we’d make an exception on that. I think we say we don’t let them speak because,
well, who wouldn’t want to come to speak to 40,000 people here? We would
introduce them and I would always put in a good word, whether they are Democrat
or Republican."