Over the summer the National Council of Churches offered a document containing “Christian Principles in an Election Year” for Christians to use when considering which candidates they might vote for. New York City’s Riverside Church has now issued a similar set of principles. The Prophetic Justice Principles are meant to be used for judging the policy positions adopted by candidates. Check out what they have to offer:
We face a time of choices, and a recognition that our nation has strayed from some of its founding spiritual, moral and democratic principles. People of faith who care deeply about the soul of our country may feel inspired to hold up, as the Prophet Amos did, a series of principles against which to test their leaders’ policies for moral depth.
1. Seek the common good: Does the policy represent the common good of society rather than the interest of an elite few?
2. Be truthful in facts and motives: Is the policy based on a true analysis and does it disclose its true intention? How likely is the outcome to achieve its proposed purpose?
3. Promote unity and inclusion: Does the policy hold the prospect of reducing the polarization and fragmentation of the society due to race, religion, class, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin?
4. Care for the poor: Does the policy provide good news for the poor? Does it reverse the trend toward an ever-widening gap between rich and poor?
5. Protect the vulnerable: Is the policy good for children, the elderly, and the disadvantaged? Does it show sensitivity to the spirit of the golden rule?
6. Guard freedom of thought and discussion: Does the policy provide for free press, free discussion, and the expression of dissent, along with fair and just methods of participation in the democratic process?
7. Respect other nations and peoples: Does the policy encourage respect for peoples and nations other than our own? Does it respect the fundamental dignity and rights of every human being? Does it use diplomacy as a valued instrument of statecraft in resolving international conflicts and refrain from unilateral military actions for empire-building and domination strategies?
8. Ensure stewardship of creation: Is the policy supportive of strong measures to insure ecological responsibility and sustainability?
9. Cherish the human family: Does the policy practice good global citizenship involving respect for all cultures and nations, and collective responsibility for the common good of the global community? Does it refrain from nationalism, militarism or imperialism based on a sense of national superiority?
10. Provide moral leadership: Does the policy lead by example, doing the right thing and holding the right lessons for our children and our citizens? Does it promote a more ethical society, and uphold trust in public offices?
The Riverside Church of New York
www.mobilization2004.org
The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr, senior minister at Riverside Church, has agreed to do an interview with me for this site about his efforts. Look for it soon.
Photo credit: Riverside Church
