I am very excited about the new emphasis of the community concerning Religion and Politics. For so long, only the voices of those who were found on opposite ends of the spectrum have been heard. It is so refreshing to hear and to be able to have a forum to express different views about the relationship of Religion and Politics. I hold that my remarks at the Forum which elicited a favorable response from the observing audience was one that struck a chord of current thought. That is my view of this dialogue and discussion.
Religion ought to impact politics.
In all of my graduate work in religion and theology, I have taken note that belief takes place within a social structure and when that structure is positively affected by religion, social gains are made. I believe that we are making a wonderful statement when we come together and discuss our differences. As we discuss in dialogue, we begin to see needs that exist on both sides of the track and, in deed, affect both sides of the track. I am currently witnessing in Oklahoma City an amazing movement toward respect in our religious community around the issues of social justice. It may not be on the front pages of the newspaper or the lead story on the local newscast, but there are initiatives and organizations that are setting aside the process which so easily separates us and are making progress in solving the problems which beset us.