The church and civic engagement

Public discourse in Canada and the United States has become increasingly tense as hot-button topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, the environment, and immigration make their way onto the political agenda. The challenge facing congregational leaders is how to speak to these issues in ways that advance, rather than further divide, the conversation. Three organizations—the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC)—offer useful resources and guidelines for pastors and lay leaders.

For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility was adopted by the NAE board of directors in October 2004 and is available for download.The NAE also makes available bulletin inserts designed to help keep the local church current on the important policy issues facing the evangelical community. Many churches find this to be a great way for their members to stay involved.

MCC provides an 11-page advocacy handbook, available in both English and Spanish, to assist BIC and Mennonite churches in witnessing to the government. Read excerpts from the handbook here. Other helpful resources are available through MCC’s Peace Section offices in Ottawa and Washington, D.C.

EFC’s Faith in Action page keeps you informed of important social issues, with practical ideas for taking action, helpful suggestions, and contact information for government leaders.

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