The Faith and Politics Institute, a nonpartisan, interfaith organization, was founded in 1991 to help public officials stay in touch with their faith and deeper values as they shape public policy. The word "faith" was chosen instead of the word "religion" to communicate a reference point broader than any single religious doctrine.
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The word "politics" was chosen instead of "policy" to communicate concern with the dynamics of the political process rather than the merits of any particular policy. The history of the civil rights movement emerged as a focus because it represents a time when faith-inspired action changed public policy for the good of all Americans.
Today, faith and politics are intertwined in a way that was not anticipated in 1991. The question is no longer whether religion has a place in politics, but how much influence will it have in shaping policy. While we at The Faith & Politics Institute encourage politicians to speak authentically with voices genuinely inspired by faith, we strongly believe that what they say should be tempered by the widely honored spiritual tradition of humility.
Faith in God motivated our Founding Fathers to create a nation based on liberty and justice for all. Liberty is widely viewed as God's gift to humanity. It is appropriate, therefore, that many of today's political leaders understand they are called to public life by God and that they reference their faith as they govern. However, we believe no nation or leader can ever legitimately claim to be acting fully in accordance with God's will. This distinction is essential in a free society. In essence, it separates Abraham Lincoln's governing philosophy from that of a religiously inspired tyrant.
The Faith & Politics Institute exists to assist men and women in public life to seek God's guidance and recognize the ways in which their faith calls them to work for the common good. Our task is to provide bipartisan, bridge-building opportunities for political leaders to experience the spiritual power of conscience, courage and compassion. Our best tool for achieving that goal is to assist in the telling and retelling of personal stories of people in similar circumstances whose faith has inspired their leadership on matters of universal importance.
Even when public officials disagree on what God would have them do, appropriate expression of faith in the public arena calls them put aside their differences and work together toward greater appreciation of each other's humanity and wisdom. With God's gift of liberty comes the call for political leaders to seek healing, reconciliation and forgiveness as part of the process of government. We envision a world where all political leaders can draw upon their faith to heal society's wounds.
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