Last modified: Saturday, December 8, 2007 12:57 AM EST Romney speech reviews mixed reviews BY GLORIA LaBOUNTY SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Former Gov. Mitt Romey's speech about his Mormon faith Thursday may have been too much, too little or just right, depending on anyone's spiritual perspective or political persuasion. "I really felt it was a home run for him," said state Rep. Betty Poirier, a Republican and a staunch Romney supporter in his presidential bid. She thought Romney's speech delivered in Texas was inclusive and spoke of acceptance and tolerance in addressing not only his own faith but in noting that Americans have the opportunity to practice the religion of their choice. Asked if Romney said enough to ease concerns about Mormonism, Poirier said he was not trying to provide detailed information about his faith but was trying to assure people that the president of his church would not dictate what he would do as president of the country. Yet he presented himself as a man of faith who stands by his convictions, she said. "I think his speech was wonderful," Poirier said. Pastor Dennis Baril of Community Covenant Church in Rehoboth said the speech reminded him of the one delivered by John Kennedy when he was running for president in 1960. Baril said Kennedy tried to separate himself from the Roman Catholic Church by saying that as a civic leader he would not be responsible for listening to his church, and Romney tried to do the same. Hearing that made Baril wonder about the basis for Romney's moral judgment and political stands if it is not his church. "What is his moral base? What informs his decisions?" he asked. That is more important to Baril than the specifics of the Mormon faith, which he believes should not determine how people vote. Instead, he wants the focus to be on what Romney would do as president, and not only about moral issues, but also about social issues like poverty and health care. Asked if the speech will make evangelicals feel more comfortable with Romney, Baril said, "It didn't make this evangelical more comfortable with him." Mark Small of Foxboro, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and currently bishop in the Foxboro area, said Romney did "a masterful job" in speaking not only about his own faith, but also in opening the door to people of all religious beliefs by speaking about the nation as having a "symphony of faith." Asked about criticism that Romney may not have said enough about his Mormon beliefs, Small said the intent was not to try to defend specific doctrines that others may question theologically because that would only generate endless debate over differences of beliefs. Instead, he said Romney reiterated that he is a man of faith, but that he would be president first and not follow the authority of the church when making presidential decisions. "He showed himself to be a patriot and grounded in Christianity," Small said. He believes Romney had to deliver the speech because otherwise, critics would have accused him of running away from the issue. He also understands the curiosity about the Mormon faith because almost every U.S. president has belonged to a mainline Protestant denomination. "This is new territory," Small said. Poirier, who is Catholic, said that while she understands why Romney had to address his faith, she also sees it as a sad commentary. "It's a shame in this country that anyone would have to make a speech defending his religious beliefs," Poirier said. For a complete text of the speech, go online to www.mittromney.com/News/Speeches/Faith_In_America.