Religon takes centre stage in US election race

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain were preparing to reach out to conservative religious voters, a group that has largely supported the Republican Party but from whom Mr Obama hopes he can siphon some votes with firm talk of his Christian faith.

The appearance at a forum at the California church of influential pastor Rick Warren offers Mr Obama a chance to fight back against persistent rumours that he is a Muslim and to show his comfort talking about faith.