Faith and Politics

In recent days the thought occurred to me that I should write a letter, send an email, or call on the telephone the members of Congress - representative and senators - that supposedly speak and vote on my behalf in Washington.  The issue on my mind was the defiance of GOP members regarding the President's Supreme Court nominee.

I chose not to follow through, though, knowing full well it would be futile.  None of them sees things as I see them, and my feeble protests might or might not be noted by the 22 year-olds in their offices assigned to keep track of such things.

Next up was a state issue, H.B. 2, an emergency-session North Carolina legislature action taken to make sure people don't pee in the wrong bathrooms (according to state law).  Added to that was the restriction on local governments to prevent them from extending rights to LGBT folks.

Again, I thought of contacting the governor and my assigned representatives, but just as quickly I dismissed the notion.  There would be no point to it.  I was heartened, however, to read a column in Sunday's local paper that clearly articulated the vanity of the legislature's decree.

Watching the news and reading relevant publications I sometimes lament the lack of influence of thoughtful people of faith who take up Jesus' priorities of justice, peace, and the worthiness of all people.  Have we failed to provide the witness given to us?  Do we have anything positive to contribute to public issues?  Are we frightened? Are we too self-centered or overly focused on "going to heaven?"

Of course, candidates and office-holders often make a public spectacle of their religious convictions, which so often seem to coincide with the choices that would be made by white, male, wealthy, dominant-culture types afraid of slipping down from their perch on the top of the heap.  There rarely appears to be any relevance to the teachings or example of Jesus.  I guess saying something is "Christian" makes it appealing or palatable to folks who are scared.

There always is a debate churning about the role of religion in politics.  Some confuse this with the idea of the separation of church and state.  And, of course, there are folks who maintain, and can "prove," that America (or, the United States, as it is more properly referred to) is a Christian Nation by design of the Founding Fathers.  Try talking a true believer out of that idea!

In any case, I feel sorely frustrated by the current realities regarding how people of good will and faith can relate to our political process.  While I never bought into the notion that salvation can be achieved through engagement with politics and government, I have done my bit in the past to advocate for fairness, equity, inclusion, and peace.

It can be a lonely endeavor, especially for a pastor.  Most of the folks in the pews won't get involved for a variety of reasons.  Preaching can be a delicate issue, as well, in mainline congregations when it comes to trying to address the significant concerns of the world.  Clergy sometimes lose perspective in seeking to be 'prophetic,' and church members have a different agenda for coming to worship, i.e., comfort and escape from the pressures of day-to-day living.  As I was once told, the people want to be "uplifted," rather than reminded that Jesus sacrificed his very life on behalf of the poor, the abused, the exploited, and the hated. 

During a particularly active period in this realm for me I was fortunate to meet a few folks who shared my convictions and faith perspective.  We were able to encourage one another, and to band together to act in some meaningful ways.  Another positive factor in our case was the presence of a member of Congress who actually gave us fair hearing regarding our concerns. 

I learned a lot during those years that I am happy to share with any who would "speak truth to power."

 -- Finding fellow travelers is essential.  There is strength in numbers, and the support you give to one another is vital in the face of the guaranteed frustration, disappointment, and failure.

-- Be positive in your witness.  Instead of always lamenting and criticizing, offer a positive vision.

-- Respect those with whom you disagree.  Caricatures and insults do nothing for your position.

-- Know what you're talking about.  Be informed and up-to-date on the issue of concern.

-- Recognize the complexity of issues, but remain firm in your convictions.

-- In dealing with the media, respond to questions by sharing the points you wish to make, regardless of what they ask.  In most cases, reporters and journalists simply are trying to get you to state your position, but may not know the right questions to ask.  Help them succeed.

-- Visit members of Congress in your home district office.  You are more likely to meet him or her personally than if you go to Washington.  This helps you develop a relationship with that person.

-- When visiting a member of Congress, always: be on time for the appointment; BE POLITE; make it clear who you represent and why the issue is important to you/them; mention any common ground on issues you may have with the member; state your concern clearly and succinctly; BE POLITE; offer alternative positions or actions regarding your disagreements; suggest ways to follow-up on your conversation; BE POLITE; thank the member for taking time to meet with you.  Never: insult, ridicule, cajole, threaten, or express other negative behaviors.  It only gives that person a reason to dismiss you, your position, and concern.

 -- Plan public events that raise awareness about your issue.  Press conferences, public forums, workshops, conferences, etc. help you to share your concerns.  Letters to the editor, and guest columns in local newspapers get the word out, as well.

-- Try to build coalitions with groups and individuals who share similar concerns.

-- Encourage members of your church to learn about and engage with the issues through group discussions, letter-writing campaigns, and volunteering with organizations dealing with your concerns.

-- Spend time in prayer, and pay attention to scripture.  Your understanding, conviction, and passion can easily spin out of control if you lay aside the original source of inspiration for your vision.  Again, you are well-served to make this a group endeavor.

Personally, I never understood how faith communities could exist only for and unto themselves, but it happens. 

If you have a broader vision of the church and its possibilities, I pray that God will strengthen and embolden you, and that your faithful efforts to be a witness to God's will for abundant life for all of God's creatures will find receptive hearts.