Fifth, resolutions seldom represent denominations' constituencies. One reason for this is that the laity is politically more conservative than the clergy. There is nothing wrong with religious elites articulating political positions. But if churches don't want to be treated as lobbies and interest groups, they will have to issue resolutions based on their moral authority, not on the ideological sentiments of their leaders. Finally, church pronouncements are divisive.
Churches do have a role to play in public affairs.
But their role surely is not to tell Secretary of State James Baker how to do his job. The influence of churches will grow if they resist the simplistic resolutions, and instead, cultivate moral analysis of issues. Lobbies issue pronouncements, but only churches can offer redemptive leaven.