I know why they're doing it, but I don't have to like it. This is one of the centerpieces of the convention, not an interest-group meeting.....
I know that the Dems are trying to make the case that they aren't an anti-religion party. But boy, howdy, is this going overboard? From the official news release:
Each night of the Convention, the official program will begin with an invocation and end with a benediction delivered by a national faith leader or an individual who is active in their local faith community. Among the group selected to deliver these opening and closing prayers are a Republican pastor of a leading Evangelical church in central Florida, a major young Evangelical leader, a nun from a diocese in Cleveland and a Methodist couple, both ordained ministers from Arvada, CO.
National leaders from a range of denominations will host the Convention's first-ever Faith Caucus meetings during the week where they will discuss bringing people of faith together to address some of the most pressing issues of our time.
snip
In addition, a first-ever Democratic National Convention interfaith gathering will kick off the week, bringing delegates, elected officials, local residents, musical guests and spiritual leaders from many communities of faith together for a unique gathering. In addition to keynote remarks, the program will include readings from diverse religious texts, prayers and musical selections.
Go to the jump for the lineup of speakers. Some interesting headliners, actually...
More:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/democratic-convention-schedule.html