In
every election cycle people participate in a variety of ways:
voting; making contributions; going door-to-door with literature;
asking questions at candidate forums; talking to friends about
issues; sorting through ads in print, on TV and radio, and online;
writing letters to the editor; stuffing envelopes; running for
office. Even those who are residents and not citizens have an
opportunity to get involved by influencing the votes of those
who are citizens.
We participate in the electoral process as citizens and residents,
and as Christians. We are citizens and residents of the United
States—a nation that affords us an opportunity to make
an impact on governmental policies. Even with its problems and
challenges, our nation’s representative democracy presents
the potential to participate in the decision-making process
in significant ways. The opportunity our democracy extends brings
the responsibility for involvement in all phases of the public
arena. Indeed the healthy functioning of democracy depends on
such involvement.
We are Christians, rooted in the Reformed tradition, deeply
influenced by John Calvin, whose theology teaches that since
God is sovereign over all of life, our faith informs and infuses
every aspect of our being. We recognize that human institutions
and processes stand in need of ongoing reformation. We open
ourselves to God’s call as we participate in the public
arena, seeking to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We
affirm that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Sometimes we
compromise and stand in need of forgiveness. At other times
that allegiance leads us to be loving critics of our government’s
policies. It may even bring us into conflict with our government.
Citizens and residents will support different candidates and
take different positions on every issue. So will Christians.
We will disagree—strongly at times—while endeavoring
to not be disagreeable. We will hold different views and promote
them in different ways, but we will participate.
We will take part in the elections this fall. However, the
opportunities for and responsibilities of Christian citizens
and residents do not end when the votes are counted and the
results are announced. The political process—the way we
order our common life, share the resources God entrusts to us,
and seek to address our shared problems—is ongoing. Ongoing
participation in the public arena is essential to the well-being
of our communities, states, nation, and the world. This involves
educating ourselves, engaging in advocacy for policies we support,
joining groups to work together on issues of concern, and more.
For followers of Jesus such involvement is never merely politics.
It is a matter of faith. Our participation represents an effort
to “plow the biblical vision of shalom into the soil of
our history,” in the words of former Peacemaking Program
staff member Dick Watts.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides a variety of resources
on the role of Christians in the public arena, including:
- Living Faithfully in the Public Square
This five-session study explores the political obligation
implicit in our faith. ISBN 1-57153-073-8;
$9.99.
- The Good Samaritan, Presbyterians and Public Policy
This resource examines why Christians engage in the public
arena. PDS 25989907;
free.
- Making a Difference in the Public Arena
This resource provides tools for effective ministry in the
public arena. PDS 25994958;
$1.95.
- Rebuilding: Peacemaking in Nehemiah
This five-session study investigates the relationship between
the call to public service and the call to be faithful to
God. PDS 7035096287;
$0.75.
- Remember to Double Knot Your Shoelaces: A Guide for
Running Grassroots Campaigns
This booklet is designed to help people who feel called to
run for public office. PDS 7027097019;
$0.50.
- Have You Considered Being Actively Involved in the
Election Process?
This brochure encourages people to participate in the election
process. PDS 7027096005;
$0.25; $0.10 each for quantities of 10 or more. Order from
Presbyterian Distribution Service online
or by calling 800-524-2612.
Online Resources
Christian and Citizen
Election Year Resource
Presbyterian Peacemaking
Program Act Now Page
Presbyterian United
Nations Office
E-newsletter
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