THE CHURCH AND POLITICS

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This posting is my reaction to the executive order of last Thursday which lifted IRS penalties if a church openly supported a political candidate.  It is my thoughtful, faith-informed opinion and does not reflect that of the United Methodist Church in general or the local church I serve. 

 I will discuss the purpose of the church in relation to involvement in politics and why I do not believe that the Church, as a denomination or as a local faith community should endorse or support political candidates.





THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH

 1.  To participate in the Mission of God as stated in Matthew 28;19-20:

 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 The church is called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world, loving others unconditionally and inclusively as Christ has loved  us.  His teaching also included social justice issues listed in Matthew 25:31-46.  In today's world it means addressing issues such as hunger, clean water, housing, medical care, clothing and shelter as well as immigration and reconciling justice.

 2.  As Christ's representatives, to carry out the ministry of Jesus as stated in Matthew 10:7-8.

 "As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’   Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment."

 That good news may be proclaimed by the evangelist, the reformist, the activist and the advocate.

 3.  Empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to disciple members of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-14)

"The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ."

 Making disciples is not only inviting others into a relationship with Jesus Christ but also is nurturing believers so that they and their core values are grounded in the Christian faith and their gifts and passions for ministry are confirmed and developed.  Christians are encouraged to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit into areas of service, whether it is within the church, mission work in the community or involvement in ways that bless the community and impact the quality of life.  

 William Wilberforce, a Christian, lived in England in the mid-1700s through the mid-1800s.  He was a politician and social activist who's missional calling was to lead the movement to end  slavery in England and the British slave trade.  Sometimes God does lead Christians to serve in the political arena.

 The church's purpose is to send out disciples of Christ out into all areas of life for the transformation of the world
SHOULD THE CHURCH ENDORSE AND SUPPORT POLITICAL CANDIDATES?

 Jesus reminds us in John 17, that we are in this world and not of this world.  The church is a community of believers who are agents of God's mercy, compassion, love, peace and justice who, by their lifestyle and words, present a contrast culture, a different, better way of life.  This is a Christ-centered world view, not a political one.

 My concern is that by supporting a particular candidate or political party, are we becoming more like the world by participating in the divisive culture of American politics.  If God so loves the world with an unconditional and inclusive love, by support candidates, are we sending the opposite message, that the church only welcomes those who hold the same views as a particular candidate and the party he or she belongs to?

 My other concern is that by taking advantage of this executive order, we are whittling away at the wall that separates church and state.  While we often are frustrated by it, we should remember that it also protects our right to religious freedom.

 I Corinthians 10:23 reminds us that while all things are lawful, not all things are beneficial.  While the executive order frees us to opening support political candidates and parties, is it in line with the mission of God, the ministry of Christ and our purpose as the church?

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