Religion: Power, Glory - and Politics

Right-wing preachers dominate the dial

It was part political caucus, part camp meeting, part trade show--and all barn burner. As the crowds of 4,000 milled through the Sheraton Washington Hotel in the nation's capital last week, Gospel singers crooned, video- equipment salesmen hawked their wares, and media consultants prowled the meeting rooms for new talent. Dozens of Senators and Congressmen made it their business to turn out for the cameras and lights, cementing alliances and buffing up images. Jeane Kirkpatrick and Jesse Jackson were there. President Reagan, appropriately, sent a message on videotape.

The occasion was the convention of the National Religious Broadcasters. This is a...

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