Everyone understands that our nation is a deeply divided and conflicted citizenry in the area of secular politics. We are a nation divided nearly 50/50. The language of secular politics seems to grow ever more heated and un-Christian with each passing year. Many in our pews feel quite strongly about their various secular, political positions. It is in times like these that it would be beneficial if our denominational offices and officials were to remain neutral, or at least silent, about numerous secular political issues. Almost nothing can be said in one direction or the other without angering perhaps half the people in the pews.

Instead of taking this sound tactic for the sake of our denominational good, various organizations and officials funded by ALL of the church continue to speak out— always taking the side of leftist, Democratic party, anti-Israel, or anti-war. For many in the pews it feels as if their Per Capita funds are being used as campaign contributions going directly into the coffers of the Democratic party or MoveOn.org. There are legitimate differences on many of these secular, political positions, but anytime a position is voiced as a denominational opinion, someone in the pews is offended that their Church does not represent them. Is it really necessary for the denominational offices to “witness” in each and every one of these controversial situations?

Most congregations understand this trap of secular political involvement and avoid the divisions spawned by these kinds of statements. Why cannot the Stated Clerk, the Washington Office, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness, and other such organizations within the denomination learn this lesson from our congregations and stop this divisive practice? We have enough to divide us as a denomination even if we stick with clearly Christological, Biblical, and polity issues, without importing the anger and venom of secular politics into our midst in this manner.