Quick Q On Romney Reference

Published Dec 06 2007, 05:03 PM by David S. Bernstein

[See update below]

In his religion speech today, Romney cited the oft-told story of the First Continental Congress in 1774, at which an opening prayer was offered despite the objections of those who felt that those gathered were too diverse in their beliefs.

In listing the various faiths of those assembled, Romney specifically said that there were Catholic delegates.

I am no expert, so perhaps someone can help out. I am unaware of any Catholics among the 55 delegates, and would be pretty shocked to learn of any, given the open hostility toward the religion throughout the colonies.

There was, certainly, a wide diversity of Protestants at the Congress, primarily reflecting not the "melting pot" yet to come, but the church-dominated governments of the individual colonies at the time.

Anyone who can enlighten me otherwise, I'd love to hear from.

Update: Charles Carroll was not a delegate in 1774. he was elected in 1776, after (if I have my history right) Maryland's ban on Catholics voting was lifted.