May/June: Faith and Politics

The intensity of a presidential contest can serve to highlight the ongoing debate within the Anabaptist community about the roles faith and politics should play in Christian life.

This issue of the Memo highlights public policy issues where Christian teachings and experience can help provide a unique voice to government. MCC U.S. board chair Harriet Sider Bicksler provides a reflection on Anabaptist faith and politics. Gordon Brubacher, former professor of Old Testament Studies at Messiah College, gives an overview of biblical instructions on the treatment of immigrants. Valerie Ong reports on how political advocacy and direct congregational support can complement each other to improve the situation of displaced Iraqis. Tammy Alexander writes about politically diverse, faith-based efforts to care for creation. And Zach Kaufman lays out how predatory lending targets the poor, who are least able to afford high interest rates and deceptive practices.

Introduction - Elections, Public Policy and the Christian Witness

Other Articles
Bigger Isn’t Always Better - Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Sorting Through the Messiness of Politics - Harriet Sider Bicksler
Non-citizens in a Biblical Perspective - Gordon Brubacher
Hand in Hand - Valerie Ong
Creation Care—from the Left and the Right - Tammy Alexander
A Predator in Our Midst - Zach Kaufman

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