A conference on religion and politics in Washington, D.C. has featured appearances by a number of possible Republican candidates for U.S. president, highlighting the powerful role faith plays in U.S. conservative politics.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, considered a frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, addressed the two-day Faith and Freedom Coalition conference Friday and Saturday. Also speaking were former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, U.S. congresswoman Michele Bachmann, former U.S. senator Rick Santorum, and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman.

Jobs, the deficit, and the ailing U.S. economy topped the agenda. Participants also attended sessions on social issues important to conservatives such as abortion, gay marriage, and U.S. President Barack Obama's controversial health care reform plan.

The coalition is headed by Ralph Reed, who has served as senior advisor to the campaigns of former President George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. He is a former chairman of the Republican Party in the southeastern state of Georgia and directed the conservative political group Christian Coalition from 1989 to 1997.

Businessman Donald Trump and conservative commentator Glenn Beck also addressed the crowd.