U.S. ambassador’s ‘faith’ writings causing ‘friction’

WASHINGTON — The U.S. ambassador to Malta, who helped rally Catholic support for President Obama’s 2008 campaign, has spent “considerable time” writing on topics beyond the mission of his office, particularly about matters of faith, according to a new State Department investigation.

The report from the department’s Office of Inspector General said Ambassador Douglas Kmiec’s writings had an “unconventional approach” to the ambassadorship that has caused “friction” with Washington officials. “Based on a belief that he was given a special mandate to promote President Obama’s interfaith initiatives, he has devoted considerable time to writing articles for publication in the United States as well as in Malta and to presenting his views on subjects outside the bilateral portfolio,” reads the February report. The document was first reported by The Associated Press on April 8. The White House referred a request for comment to the State Department, which did not immediately respond.