Christian clergy in American politics

In recent decades, Christian clergy have ever more frequently had to decide whether to become involved in politics. When they do become involved, their influence can be substantial. In this book Sue E. S. Crawford, Laura R. Olson, and their coauthors explore the political choices clergy make and the consequences of these choices. Drawing on personal interviews and statistical data to place the actions of clergy in both their religious and secular contexts, the authors study mainline and evangelical Protestant, Catholic, and Mennonite communities. They examine the role of white, African American, and female religious leaders. And they address issues of local development, city government, and national and international politics.

Contributors: Christi J. Braun, Boston University School of Law Timothy A. Byrnes, Colgate University James C. Cavendish, University of South Florida Sue E. S. Crawford, Creighton University Katie Day, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Melissa M. Deckman, Washington College Paul A. Djupe, Denison University Joel S. Fetzer, Central Michigan University James L. Guth, Furman University Ted G. Jelen, University of Nevada-Las Vegas Laura R. Olson, Clemson University James M. Penning, Calvin College Mary R. Sawyer, Iowa State University Corwin E. Smidt, Calvin College