WASHINGTON -Though not particularly known as a religious conservative, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is stepping up his role as an advocate for religion in the public square. Not only is the politician, who is rumored to be interested in a run for the presidency in 2012, coverting to Catholicism, but he also has started a new organization, Renewing American Leadership, that is devoted to issues like religious liberty and defending the role of religion in American history.