Politics and Religion

Should a church be politically active? It's a question that comes up from time to time. And judging from the news media, especially in this election year, it seems that the answer for the Christian "Right" is a resounding yes. We have evangelical groups endorsing candidates and ministers as "honorary chairman" on national campaigns. We also have politicians vying to show just how "Christian" they are.

And for some candidates "Christian" means how anti-LGBT, anti-choice, anti-woman, anti-any other religion besides a conservative brand of Christianity, anti-poor, anti-foreigner. We have had national Christian candidates who are proud to state they would not have a Muslim in their cabinet, state that contraception is "a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be" and maintain that it would be ok if a state ruled that it would be illegal for even married couples to use contraception. We have leaders who sign pledges that state "a black child born into slavery in 1860 was more likely to be raised by his mother and father in a two-parent household than was an African American baby born after the election of the USA's first African American President." We senators and governors who have staffers that question if women have a right to hold political office, who have donated tens of thousands of dollars to anti-LGBT groups, and who have signed their names to pledges that state they support "a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage, to appoint federal judges who don’t see a Constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and to back the Defense of Marriage Act." If we stand silent we allow these "leaders" to speak for us.

So what is a progressive Christian to do? I would posit that progressive Christians need to make their voices heard as loudly as possible. First, we need to stand up to defend the rights of all, to be voices for the disenfranchised. Second, we need to act as a counterbalance to the Christian "Right" and make sure that our political process is not take over by a small but vocal group. Third, we need to show Christians and non-Christians alike that there is more than one viewpoint on the Christian spectrum. There is a quote by Mohandas Gandhi that rings in my head constantly - "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.." As progressive Christians we need to strive to make the teachings of Christ an important point of reference in the political process.


And what are the responsibilities of a progressive church in regards to the politics? A progressive church needs to inform, educate, and encourage it members so that they have the tools they need to participate in the political process. This can include things such as voter registration and education, providing forums where candidates' platforms and pending legislation can be discussed, and providing information and access to politician's voting records. In short, progressive churches need to make it OK to talk about politics.


Does this mean we advocate religion should be inserted in government? No. But it does mean that we can view our candidates and legislation through the lens of our Christian faith and see if they measure up - and act accordingly.


Here are the views of a First Church minister on religion and politics.

"We have been hearing considerable discussion in recent years concerning the church and politics. So much so that the church seem to be faced by an impossible dilemma.

On the one hand are those who list the evils of the world and end by asking with withering contempt "Why doesn't religion do something about it?" Scoring the impotence of religion is the favorite indoor sport of this group.

On the other hand are those who view with alarm any reference in the pulpit to any form of government more recent than that of the Hebrew theocracy or to any law not thundered from Sinai. Whenever the church faces any present-day social problem this group wistfully wishes the preacher would stick to his BIble and avoid controversial subjects. This pious wish overlooks the fact that religion is much older than sacred literature. The Bible did not produce Christianity. Christianity produced the BIble. Christianity existed for a century before it wrote its Bible. Nor can one speak at all if he is to avoid all controversial subjects. Rene Descartes demonstrated three centuries ago that there is nothing which cannot be doubted except possible the fact of doubting.

Of course, what this practically amounts to is that preachers shall be permitted to play with toy problems, teething rings, and the like, but that the real problems of life shall be reserved for the superior wisdom of the press, the radio, and the political demagogue. It is small wonder that any mentally alert clergyman is likely to see red at this latter suggestion.

It is not the field into which we take religion that matters. The important thing is the kind of religion we take.

If one's religion be selfish, narrow, bigoted, ignorant, superstitious, and harsh it will be a blight in the home, church, school, and state. We have had all too numerous historical examples of religion which repressed the mind, barred the path to scientific progress and could practice the most inhuman cruelties all in the name of a supposed faith. Military leaders remind us that there is no war so brutal, so ruthless and so unbridled in its fury as a so-called "religious" war. The trouble, however, has not been with the field in which religion operated but with the dangerously decadent religion which entered those fields.

It is historically obvious that the most dangerous enemies of religion have never been atheists and agnostics but rather the misguided and mastaken zeal of self-styled "defenders of the faith." Religion's most serious foes have always been those of its own household. Religion which is misguided and heartless in its own realm, causing agonies of suffering and heartache there is certain to repeat its ruin when it lays its hold upon the other institutions of the world. From this kind of religion in politics-or anywhere else-dear Lord, deliver us!

But if our religion be one seeking freedom and light at any cost; one seeking to serve in the advancement of honesty, justice, integrity, and truth; and one seeking not its own interests but those of every person in the world, that religion can and must be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. This kind of religion will not be interested in party lines but in high principles. It will not ask whether a policy is traditional but only "Is it right?" It will not be lined up by political bosses but will follow only that which, by its own merits, impels approval.

Does our government need religion in politics? Undoubtedly. There is no denying the fact that our American democracy is sadly breaking down in our center of congested city population. Every large city in the country is ruled by small, anti-social, but very powerful groups. Each succeeding census shows that we are becoming more and more an urban nation. Logically and actually this means that our American democracy is becoming increasingly a failure. In order that this failure may not become complete our country must enlist the idealistic services of its best mind, its noblest hearts and it purest souls. We need such religion in government. Only such forces can preserve our national honor." -Rev. Norman I. Bromley, July 10, 1930. Rev. Bromley was the minister at First Congregational, Huntington, WV from 1944-1971

Please support Senate Bill 14

I received a very supportive reply from Senate President Jeff Kessler this morning after contacting him about marriage equality in WV, he suggests we take immediate action and contact Senator Corey Palumbo, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Currently Senate bill 14, which would add sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act, thereby guaranteeing housing and employment protections is in his committee. Please contact Senator Palumbo and let him know that this bill needs to pass through his committee and on to the floor!  This bill also adds protections against age discrimination, so please contact Mr. Palumbo today.

Contact: corey.palumbo@wvsenate.gov or (304) 357-7880

Sample letter, feel free to expand it or write your own:

Senator Palumbo,

I urge you to pass Senate Bill 14 through the judicial committee. Adding sexual orientation to the protections afforded in the Human Rights Act is the right thing to d...o. Our WV schools have been so enlightened to add sexual orientation to their anti-bullying policies this year, won’t you afford those same protections to LGBT folks who are dealing with overgrown bullies in the workplace and even in their own homes? Please take a strong stand against this behavior and FOR this bill.

Sincerely,
[your contact info]

Thoughts on a new protest (but not a new concept)

I swell with pride when reading things like this in our church’s long and storied history:

“…First Congregational also has a long history of being on the forefront of the “peace and social justice” issues that our country has found itself in through out our, nearly, 140 year history.  First Congregational was the first church in the city of Huntington to rise up in the 1920’s during Women’s Suffrage in support of all women and equal rights.  First Congregational was the first church in the Huntington area to “officially oppose discrimination and segregation” of the 1950’s and 60’s.  First Congregational became the first church in the city to integrate.”

What a beautiful thing!  I remember a story from Janet Bromley about friends of hers, a Christian and a Jew, who wished to marry.  No church or pastor in Huntington would perform such a marriage at the time except for… you guessed it.  OUR church. First Congregational UCC of Huntington, WV.

It’s not a very far leap then to find that First Congregational is again, aligning itself on the right side of social justice in this day and age even just looking at marriage equality, we have a beautiful history!  Blacks could wed whites in our church before it was ever a thought in the minds of other churches.  A Christian and a Jew could unite in marriage when no other church would entertain them.  And now we are a church where two men or two women can enjoy a union ceremony while other churches won’t even let them gain membership (if they are even allowed through the doors).  This is a fact that we can and should be proud of, just as we can be proud of being on the right side of history for the past 140 years.

The Peace and Social Justice team is excited to be participating in a protest, a demonstration, a peaceful ploy to gain attention for marriage equality.  We continue in the heritage of the UCC by actively supporting those who are fighting for equal rights. 

As a Christian, a dad, an engaged gay male and a progressive thinker, standing up for marriage equality is a no brainer.  As a member of First Church’s new Peace & Social Justice team, I am proud to be offering up opportunities such as this for our membership to be involved in. Let us not shy away from being on the right side of history, EVER!

We invite you to join us on Valentine ’s Day, February 14^th at 10am at the Cabell County courthouse as William and myself, along with many other same-sex couples and like minded individuals proceed to ‘Apply for Equality’ as we symbolically apply for marriage licenses. I am boldy Christian, proudly progressive and ready to actively display that fact before this community. Just for LGBT issues? No! My vision (and hopefully yours!) is to also radically support the homeless and underprivileged, radically support the ‘green’ movement, radically support the victimized from any category, because I am UCC, I am First Church and I am radically proud of it.

For more info on the protest, please visit THIS LINK 

Peace,

Justin

Working in the Light.

Welcome to the blog of the First Church Peace and Social Justice Team. You may be inclined to clutch your pearls and ask who we are and what do we want, but we come in Peace! We are the new budding branch at First Congregational UCC in Huntington, founded in a rich tradition of spiritual and Christ-led work. As we shape our identity, we will author and share entries on Social Justice issues including but not limited to:

• Advocate for equality, safety, and freedom from oppression for all people
• Access to basic needs (shelter, clothing, food, medical access)
• Environmental protection and maintenance 
• Disaster relief
• Food Security

Some are the kinds of work you expect from a Christian organization, and some are "hot buttons" that will open dialog and steer the evolution of the church and its people in society. Recently UCC has been able to light its steeple, both figuratively and literally lighting the way to the sanctuary and the fellowship within. What our team does is carry that light out to the community, lighting the darkness of need and despair, or lighting the paths to improving the world we've inherited.

It can be disheartening and alienating to sit and watch the world today. We hope to be an example of how to walk and engage in this world with love and promote Social Justice and Positive Change. 

Please join us for meetings and visit here often. We hope you join in on doing good!

..."Freely you have received; freely give."