Kerry raises religion's role in diplomacy


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HOUSTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry says the U.S. can't lead the world if American diplomats don't understand the importance of religion.

In an address Tuesday at Rice University in Houston, Kerry acknowledged that the State Department has typically ignored religion unless it was deemed a problem, but he has worked to establish diplomatic links with faith groups and leaders around the world.

Kerry says despite doctrinal differences, leaders of almost every religion agree on the need to help the poor and marginalized.

The secretary of state stressed that the U.S. believes "people ought to be free to choose, to change, to practice, to speak and teach their religion anywhere without fear or intimidation."

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