For Churches, Being Political Is about Being Faithful

TORONTO, June 18, 2012 /CNW/ - In a recent CBC radio interview, Senator Nicole Eaton said, "I don't think that churches should take political stands. I think they should be more about helping people and giving people succour."

During the interview Eaton chose to single out The United Church of Canada as one she thought was involved in "political work."

"And so we are," says the United Church's Moderator, Mardi Tindal, in response to the Senator's comments. "We are very political, as was Jesus."

Tindal adds, however, there is a very clear distinction between being political, meaning advocating for changes in public policy, and being partisan.

"Ultimately, public policy is about values and about working for the common good. The voices of all Canadians should be welcomed. When a government representative suggests that the voices of churches should be silent, that is a concern," says Tindal.

Full text news release: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/releases/120617

Mary-Frances Denis
416-231-7680 ext. 2016
416-400-7273 (cell)