I first published this blog in 2018 after the horrific high school shooting in Parkland, Florida. I asked at the time, “Can churches be involved in the most volatile issues of our day?” And my answer then, and now as we deal with violence of a different sort, is that if the church can’t or won’t speak out against cruelty and oppression, then what hope is there for a voice of conscience in our world?
Here’s the trouble, though. When we try to speak to wrenching issues from a political perspective, we get caught in either/or choices. Our two-party political system creates a win-lose situation with no room for nuanced disagreement. Either/or choices are destined to polarize. Churches are reluctant to get involved. I get it. I’d like to offer an alternative that every church can use.
The Ethical Position
Thankfully, speaking from a political perspective is not the church’s only choice. Churches can and should speak from an ethical perspective. Webster defines ethics as “moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.” For the church, ethics are the living out of our faith in a world in which choices are rarely black and white.
When churches speak from an ethical position, we are able to discern and articulate truths that go deeper than the artificial either/or choices created by our two-party system. Adopting an ethical perspective means we consider how core values of the Gospels and Jesus’ teachings impact public policy. Viewing current events through an ethical lens also empowers us to address how the gifts and potentials of human life impact our responsibility to the common good. Finally, because we believe in a hopeful future for all of God’s creation, an ethical perspective enables us to react not just to what is, but to powerfully envision what could be.
The Voice of the Church
In the United Methodist Church, members take a vow to resist evil and injustice in whatever forms they present themselves. That’s as clear a call for an ethical response to current events as I’ve ever heard.
Thankfully, as violence has erupted on our city streets, we’ve seen many examples of clergy of all faiths standing up to protect neighbors, friends, and strangers against unlawful oppression. Some literally risking their own lives and safety.
There are multiple ways we can take action and truly be the voice of the church for justice. Establish new ministries and new policies. Pray new prayers. Preach new sermons. Encourage new conversations. Call the powers that be. Write letters. Speak up. Get together with other like-minded folks. March. Cry. Shout. Pray. The actions you take will be dependent on your setting and circumstances. The main thing is to act.
If not us, then who?
It’s up to us, as clergy leaders, to take the lead. Join me and take that first step to active renewal by registering for my free online seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success“. You’ll learn concrete ways that your leadership can make a real difference in your community, our country, and the world.
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It is so inspiring to read your take on a fresh approach to practicing our FAITH.
I am participating in a group that is working on a solution to the problems in housing for our communities. We know very well the PROBLEMS.. .The issue is how to resolve issues that are so large. JESUS is the answer. He taught us how we should live R we each other with love and caring. However, evil gets in our way. We must use our God given gifts open to paths to housing freedom for our Brether and Sisters.