By Dan Gilgoff, CNN.com Religion Editor

(CNN) - Everyone knows the 2012 presidential race is about jobs and the economy. As likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney said a couple weeks ago: “It’s still about the economy, and we’re not stupid.”

But have you noticed how the culture wars keep intruding into this it’s-all-about-the-economy election?

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama voiced personal support for same-sex marriage, launching a new wave of national debate around the issue. A day earlier, North Carolinians voted to amend their constitution to ban gay marriage and other legal arrangements for gay couples.

It’s a one-two punch of reminders that social issues with deep religious reverberations still matter.

In that spirit, here are five ways faith-based politics could shape this presidential contest, drawn up with help from religion reporter friends who gathered this week to talk about God (and godlessness) and politics:

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By Laura Koran, CNN

Here's the Belief Blog’s morning rundown of the top faith-angle stories from around the United States and around the world. Click the headlines for the full stories.

From the Blog:

President Barack Obama addressing a gay rights group in 2011.

CNN: Obama's gay marriage support riles religious conservatives, but political effects not yet clear
U.S. President Barack Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage on Wednesday outraged conservative Christian leaders, who vowed to use it as an organizing tool in the 2012 elections, but the move is also activating the liberal base, raising big questions about who gains and loses politically.

CNN: Portugal cancels holidays after Vatican talks
Portugal is eliminating four holidays to try to boost its economy, the government announced – but only after getting the agreement of the Vatican. The economically struggling European country will stop giving workers a day off for Corpus Christi and All Saints' Day, starting next year, the government said. It will also eliminate two civil holidays to be fair, the statement said Tuesday.

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