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Can Faith and Politics Co-Exist Today? |
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Written by Don Byrd
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Monday, 09 July 2012 |
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A smart piece in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel explores the role of faith in an increasingly polarized political society at election time. Discussing the issues of the day can divide and alienate a congregation. What is a church family to do? One Catholic church in Milwaukee decided to approach the problem head-on.
At St. Mary's in Hales Corners, more than 60 people turned out for a two-part program on mixing faith and politics and strategies for keeping the debate civil. It was so successful, the parish is looking at hosting another before the general election.
"Some of the best things the church does, I think, is to bring people together," said Pam Lownik, St. Mary's social-concerns director who helped organize the sessions.
"Churches should be a place where people can come together and find common ground."
How does your church engage in important issues of the day without picking political sides, without improperly endorsing a candidate, and without creating a rift in the congregation? Is the answer simply to stay silent? Couch issues in a broader religious framework, or do we choose houses of worship like we increasingly choose news outlets these days - picking the ones that only reinforce what we already believe?
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