 |
 |
Title: FAITH AND POLITICS ELCA NEWS SERVICE NEWSBRIEF August 21, 1996 FAITH AND POLITICS As the United States gears up for local, state and national elections, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is offering its 5.2 million members some assistance. Many of the church's 11,000 congregations are using the brochure, "Christian Faith and U.S. Political Life Today," as a study document in adult forums, said the Rev. Faye R. Codding, grass roots coordinator, Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs, Washington, D.C. Some ELCA congregations "are inviting candidates to their forums to discuss some of the important points from the document," she said. "Some congregations are having their youth groups sponsor a candidate night. Congregations are excited about the brochure's clear and insightful discussion on the role of the Christian and politics," said Codding. The eight-page brochure can help Lutherans identify "Christian political positions," she said, and "evaluate policies of the government from a faith perspective." Helping their members prepare for elections may be the congregation's first involvement in "the ministry of advocacy," said Codding. "It enables people to discuss the role of their congregation and politics. A study group allows congregational members of all political opinions to share their views and find their common ground as people united by a confession of faith," she said. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955