Digital Identifier: IFP-140

Title: Address to the Houston Ministers Conference, 12 September 1960

Date(s) of Materials: 12 September 1960

Description: Motion picture of Senator John F. Kennedy addressing the Greater Houston Ministerial Conference during the 1960 presidential campaign. Reverend George Reck gives the invocation. Reverend Herbert Meza introduces Senator Kennedy. Senator Kennedy delivers his prepared remarks on religious freedom and tolerance, the separation of church and state, and the potential influence of the Catholic Church on his presidency, if elected. President Kennedy proclaims, "It was Virginia's harassment of Baptist preachers, for example, that led to Jefferson's statute of religious freedom. Today, I may be the victim, but tomorrow it may be you -- until the whole fabric of our harmonious society is ripped apart at a time of great national peril." He later declares, "Contrary to common newspaper usage, I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who happens also to be a Catholic." A question-and-answer session follows the address. Sponsored by: The Kennedy-Johnson Texas Campaign Committee. A Texas State Network Program through the facilities of KTRK TV.

Copyright Status: Public Domain

Physical Description: 1 film reel (black-and-white; sound; 16 mm; 2111 feet; 57 minutes)