RELIGION AND POLITICS

What is the role of religion when it comes to politics? While different religious traditions view this differently, Presbyterians have pretty much settled on the position that the Church should stay out of partisan politics, as in electoral politics between Democrats and Republicans and whatever other political party is involved in an election. By and large, Presbyterian churches do not endorse candidates for office, nor do we invite candidates for office to speak to us as a faith community.

             

What the Presbyterian Church will do is to take stands on moral issues. These stands can bring the Church into contact with elected officials when government policies impact these moral issues. Sometimes, on moral grounds, the Church can support policies being suggested by elected officials, and sometimes the Church can oppose the policies those officials support, but often the policy implications of a moral stance are difficult to determine.

           

 Such was the case when it came to apartheid—a policy of racial separation in South Africa. The Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly was clear that apartheid was immoral. And yet, we struggled over the policy implications of that moral stance. Some Presbyterians argued for boycotts, economic sanctions and divestment of investments to force change in South Africa, while others argued for ongoing engagement and dialogue. In the early 1990’s, South Africa ended apartheid.

            

 And yet, the debate over policy implications should not obscure the wide agreement on the moral issue. The Presbyterian Church is clear that separating people of the basis of race is immoral. And the reasons for that moral stance against racism make the study of the Belhar Confession, written in response to apartheid in South Africa, so important for us to consider today, living in the United States, as we confront our culture’s ongoing racism. Which is why I hope that you will join me on Sunday mornings at 11:15 am in the Board Room over the course of the next four weeks—January 29, February 5, 12, and 19—to read and reflect upon the Belhar Confession, not just as an historical study, but as an example of how the Church addresses the interface of religion and politics through the lens of morality and policy.

--Pastor Don Steele