How does my faith inform my political views, engagement and assessment of candidates? As a member of the Church of the Brethren, I am part of a body that sees a responsibility to seek the mind of Christ, simply, peacefully, together. With regard to local politics, there aren’t a lot of issues that create much friction between faith and action. At a local level, we don’t have to argue about abortion, war, gay marriage or other issues that divide “conservatives” from “liberals.” We do such things as pick up trash, build sewers, pave roads, plow snow, provide recreation, and provide for public safety. I’m grateful to be involved in local public service, where my mind and heart don’t have to argue with each other.

When it comes to state and national politics, I want candidates whose faith causes them to believe that the federal budget, peace, justice, welfare, health care and the environment are moral issues. And I’d like to know that they are at least trying to understand and respond to those issues as compassionately as would Jesus. Also, it is powerful to me if their life experience shows that they know how to do more than “talk the talk,” and that they also know how to “walk the walk.”