A Religious Liberal Blog made mention today about seminarians getting ready to protest the Republican National Convention in New York. Great news. Here is the press release from the website of the The Social Action Caucus at Union Theological Seminary:
New York, July 2004 - As people of faith we are children of God and our allegiance is first to the kingdom of God. This core principle of faith and unity is why seminarians from across New York - including Union Theological Seminary, General Theological Seminary, Jewish Theological Seminary and New York Theological Seminary - are gathering in a spirit of worship, meditation and prayer on Sunday, August 29th, during the Republican National Convention. Concerned people of all faiths and political persuasions will be gathering together with one unifying premise: government is a moral issue. The 2004 elections will define our lives, spirituality and communities in ways more urgent and complex than a simple map of red and blue states ever could.As future religious leaders, we believe the role of religion in society is that of provider and healer, to be a voice of conscience that demands accountability, reconciliation and justice. We believe all people of faith should be involved in the political process, especially to exercise their right to vote, and that the role of clergy is to provide education on the issues and promote an affirming and uplifting role for religion in public life. Our God is a God of justice who believes in the dignity, integrity and value of each human being.
That is why we are gathering on Sunday, August 29th to pray for change for the future of our country in this election year. Record deficits, record job loss, more people under-employed and uninsured in America than ever before, unprecedented limitations on our civil liberties, under-funding of education, unstable alliances with our allies and the threat of terrorism increased by the ever-unwelcome presence of our military in Iraq - these things suggest that no one is currently free to fulfill their potential as children of God created equally in God’s image. We need strong, moral leadership. Islam, Judaism and Christianity all admonish us to take care of the poor, the outcast. Join us in worship On Sunday, August 29th and pray with us that our faith might lead us to elect and guide our leaders to do God’ will in these times.
The religious right is always more organized than the progressive religious community for election cycles. This fact is highlighted once again by the upcoming Christian Citizenship Week slated at Midwestern Seminary, a Southern Baptist seminary. Baptist News reports:
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP)--As Election Day 2004 approaches, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has dedicated the week of Aug. 17 as Christian Citizenship Week to emphasize the Christian’s responsibility to participate in and support America’s democratic government.“Christians across America have the privilege and responsibility to participate in the electoral process of our government,” said R. Philip Roberts, president of MBTS. “Prayerfully, this week will remind us, as Christian leaders, to be good stewards of what we have been given in this country, as well as to be obedient to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Highlighting the week will be special guest speakers Richard Land and Richard Wells in special chapel services Aug. 17 and Aug. 18, respectively, at the Kansas City, Mo., campus.
Is there a difference between the political aims of the religious rights and the progressive left? Yes, and it is pretty basic. The Southern Baptists, for example, maintain close ties with Republican political candidates, like George W. Bush, and work to elect them. Their efforts often cross the line between separation of church and state and even violate IRS rules governing churches.
Progressive religious people tend to be tied more to causes (homelessness, poverty, civil rights, health care, etc.) than to individual candidates and almost never claim to speak for God on partisan political issues. Claiming to speak for God is a hallmark of the religious right.
