November 3, 2010

CHICAGO – Citing "bitter and divisive commentary" in the just-concluded political campaign, the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has called for more respectful political engagement and "a renewal of common decency in public speech." Christians view political engagement differently, he said, bringing a "hopeful spirit" to political life and respecting others as neighbors.

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson made the comments in an op-ed piece published Nov. 3 in the Washington Post's "On Faith" section. The full text of Hanson's remarks is at http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/11/government_is_gods_servant.htmlon the Web.

"Reckless incivility has overtaken public discourse in our nation, and it is a travesty," Hanson wrote. "Our children have watched and learned from us. Spiteful rhetoric used to stigmatize opponents on subjects such as immigration and gay rights has become a script for young people and children to bully and intimidate their peers."

Hanson said he is not alone in seeking a greater civility in the political arena.

"Many Christians choose to engage public life with a hopeful spirit, very differently from the mean-spirited cynicism that has overtaken us. I join those who act out of hope, because I am confident that God is at work in the world for the good of everyone," he said.

Behind the divisive rhetoric and partisan behavior are perspectives "that are not worthy of us as a nation," Hanson said. For example, some treat government "as if it were God-forsaken unless one religious tradition and its set of moral values are imposed on people of all faiths," he said.

"Some view people whose language, culture or convictions are ‘different' as threats or even enemies to be overcome and controlled," Hanson said. "Some present themselves as victims and engage the political process resentfully for their own self-interests and the interests of those who are most like them."

But Hanson argued that Christians bring a different perspective shaped by "biblical witness." The apostle Paul observed in the New Testament that government is God's servant, he said.

"Regardless of the faith of the people holding public office, government itself and all public employees serve God's providential care for all humankind. Even when we are convinced that government is dysfunctional and needs reform, public service remains an honorable vocation and it deserves the respect of all," Hanson wrote.

He said political life should not be seen as "hopelessly God-forsaken." Christians have both the opportunity and responsibility to engage public life with generosity and compassion, and politicians should serve all people, not privileged interests or partisan factions, Hanson said. Christians involved in the political process engage other people as "neighbors" whom they have the opportunity and privilege to serve, he said.

"Christian faith follows Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served," Hanson said. "Authentic Christian faith serves all who are our neighbors, both in this nation and around the world. Even when we disagree on important matters of public life, we respect our neighbors. We need not caricature their words and ideas simply to defeat them. Instead, we engage in vigorous public debate in order to preserve and strengthen the life we share with all. For that reason, even when we disagree, we seek to find others at their best."

Christians do not view life as a competition, where progress comes at the expense of others, Hanson said. Christians involved in political life present themselves "as people confident in a generous God" who provides for the good of all people, he said.

"We present our best gifts, ready to endure hardship and suffering for the sake of the common good. Because God has not entrusted abundant resources and gifts to us for partisan advantage, we use them for the good of all, for God is the God of all," Hanson's op-ed concluded.

ELCA News Service