Navigating the Waters of Politics and Faith: The Issue of Immigration in Local Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Congregations in Texas

Abstract

In the United States, there is a familiar adage relating to proper conversation etiquette: do not talk about religion and do not talk about politics. The phrase “do not get political” is common in the U.S. American (henceforth American) lexicon; it is “embedded in our vocabularies and jumps out of our mouths almost reflectively.” While this might be appropriate around the Thanksgiving table, what happens when the lines of politics and faith meet? Is there are a space within the local church for conversations to take place at the intersection of politics and faith? For some, this is a frightening question to consider. Ministers often hear from congregants that a sermon was “too political” or “not political enough.” Is the local congregation the best venue to articulate these “political hot topics” issues? What can be gained; what can be lost? Is the adage correct, should politics and faith be separated?