Bible not the only book used for politicians' oath-takings.(IN THE BEGINNING)

From: National Catholic Reporter | Date: December 15, 2006 | Copyright information

When Keith Ellison, the Minnesota Democrat who last month was elected the first Muslim in Congress, announced he would take his oath as a member of the House on the Quran, he provoked sharp criticism from conservatives.

The ensuing discussion has revived the debate about whether America's values and legal system are shaped only by Judeo-Christian heritage or if there is room for Islamic and other traditions.

But Ellison won't be the first politician to forgo ...

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