Faith and Politics: a dilemma-- an interesting link
Here is an informal group of party members who are oriented largely through their faith. This is something I can find both commonality with, but also a great deal of hesitancy, as it does seem to tread on thin ice. I was somewhat relieved to see "Our group is guided by a fundamental respect for the principles of secularism, the separation of church and state, and religious freedom." in their "who are we" section, but I nevertheless am still wary that this could be lost along the way.
Apparently, they plan to meet at the convention to discuss the possibility of becoming some formal part of the NDP. I think I will try to attend. There are unending examples of faith becoming an inappropriate component of politics. However, seeing this site has urged me to think of the examples of faith, spirituality, and religion becoming a force for good in politics. George Bush would be the most obvious example of the first. The natural thought process is to then ask why one spiritual outlook might be volatile for the democratic process, and why others have been at the root of some substantial improvements in social justice.
The website sites the fact that Tommy Douglas was in fact a reverend with the Baptist church, and was quite open open his religion. In an interview hosted by the CBC archives he makes reference to the connection between Christianity and the British movement. Undoubtedly, Douglas seemed to be able to assert his enthusiasm for Christ and social justice without interfering with secular democracy, religious freedoms, or separation of church (mosque, temple, Quaker meeting, etc.) and state. Douglas was inspired through faith to pursue change in politics; I think my faith has been essential in leading my political work.
Ghandi would be another example of political-religious overlap which proved vital for curing the religious matters of India. His approach was not to suggest that he had absolutely no religious alignment, as is the policy in Turkey. His approach was to say he was of every faith, stating that he is not only a Hindu, but a Christian, Muslim, and Jew. Technically speaking, Ghandi wasn't an elected member of parliament-- he was elected as a party President of the Indian National Congress. Nevertheless he was clearly walking the thin line between religion and politics (maybe that's why he had a cane?). In addition to Martin Luther King Jr., although not a political figure, was a Christian reverend who was a major advocate for secularism, and religious freedom-- not to mention equality, non-violence, and social justice. In fact, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is vibrant with major religious figures seeking justice on the periphery of politics (see the Truthout.org coverage of Joseph Lowery's Camp Casey speech).
Lastly, I'm encouraged to see other religious political figures, who are not shy, or ashamed of being guided by faith in their work. Cheri DiNovo who is running provincially in the riding of Parkdale-High Park (Toronto), and is a minister for the United Church. Her CBC interview conducted before her candidacy is quite telling of her religious past, and seems to segway naturally into her political life. DiNovo is probably the most eloquent of my examples in describing the need for faith to guide social activism for many, because it's something which can re-inforce our hope and essentially lead us past our doubt, depression, and exhaustion. Faith is what tells me that their is injustice in the world when the law seems to have nothing to say for it. Faith is what urges me never to waste a moment, and to keep going, when the TV tells me to "stay seated and don't touch that remote". So provided I have respect for secularism, and my faith is has no literal translation into policies and so on, is it OK to formally organize religious, or faithful activists within political parties?
