Undergirding the well-worn wisdom of “Give folks a fish and nourish them for a day, teach folks to fish and nourish them for a lifetime,” are deeper societal questions. What if the fishing pond is polluted? Or overfished? What if only certain people get to fish there? Public policies (laws, programs, funding, etc.) tied to these deeper issues determine people’s chances to fish effectively, and the proverbial fishing pond symbolizes resources necessary to thrive — such as housing, transportation, a clean environment, healthcare, employment, education and nutritious food. Examining what love of God and neighbor entails in these realms is important due to the scale of influence (such as improving education across school districts versus for a handful of kids within one’s volunteer reach) and its depth (great after school tutoring versus powerfully resourced schools).
But what is the church’s role in public policy? It is critical to note that much regarding our common life together is distinguishable from “politics” in an electoral or partisan sense. As a practical matter, no 501(c)(3) church can even join in that kind of “politics.” As a theological matter, a church joining in such “politics” risks idolatrously misaligned loyalties. One might argue it’s naive to ignore the decision-making power secured through party politics, but practically and theologically, churches need to steer clear.
If folks in the congregation feel pulled, though, toward public policy advocacy and witness, it is helpful to prayerfully consider a few steps. First, create well-facilitated opportunities for people to discuss the role of the church in public policy, coming to some working definitions and shared understanding of what people even mean when they say things like “the church,” “politics,” “public policy,” “advocacy” and “witness.” Next, create well-facilitated opportunities for people to discuss issues they feel called to get involved with as a broader congregation, rather than simply as individual congregants.
If consensus arises, prayerfully chart the best path forward. Any involvement will likely entail connecting with organizations and initiatives harboring deeper policy expertise, but that involvement could focus simply on interested congregants or be encouraged more broadly for the entire congregation. It is critical to recognize as well that worship, Sunday school, forums and team or committee meetings each bear distinct theological valences and purposes. For any given congregation, what may be effectively on key in one setting may prove counterproductively jarring in another. Know thy congregation and engage it accordingly.
And if the congregation ultimately lacks consensus on public policy involvement, note that simply holding regular space for people to interact in a constructive manner (where everyone gains a clearer, sincerer understanding of others’ views) is itself an important way for the church to engage fish pond issues, especially in this polarized age.
Ultimately, no public policy is divine, having been hammered out by humans. But at their best, public policies afford effective provision toward a society in which everyone, crafted in God’s image, is rightly respected and resourced such that they can exercise their God-given gifts in concert and community with others.
NELSON REVELEY is parish associate at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia.
