Christian & Citizen

As citizens of the United States we are given the chance to apply our Christian faith in one of the most worldly settings possible: the operation of American partisan politics. When we cast our votes for candidates and policies, we have the opportunity to practice the demanding and difficult discipline of spiritual discernment. --Kris Haig

While the Presbyterian Church (USA) certainly does not tells its members how to vote, it takes our political life seriously and provides thoughtful study guides, advice, and resources to help a person make prayerful choices when voting.

Here are some resources you might find useful:

• The Kris Haig quotation above comes from an article in the October 2004 issue of Presbyterians Today titled "Spiritual Fitness."
• The PCUSA Washington Office offers a study guide called Christian & Citizen, which explores a number of current issues from the position of Reformed thought. The team that put the guide together particularly recommends the short essay at the start of the study guide by Rev. Dr. Cynthia M. Campbell, entitled "Answering the Challenge of Political Life"” (PDF document, 3-page essay begins on p. 5).
• The Washington Office also offers a whole list of online resources on issues and approaches.
• Finally, the same source has a webpage called Theology, which includes a number of thoughtful articles that offer leading Presbyterians' perspectives concerning the church and politics, such as "Why Should People of Faith Be Engaged in Political Action?" by Bill Moyers and Joseph C. Hough. (Note: The list includes an article by Peter Pizor, former member of the Cody Presbyterian Church and Northwest College faculty member.)