Should You Mix Religion & Politics?

By Jan Dalton

Politics: The process observed in all human group interactions by which groups make decisions, including activism on behalf of specific issues or causes (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

When did we start believing that our rights and responsibilities as citizens end once we step inside the doors of a church? It’s time we Christians get involved in the process of making decisions for our community, state, and nation. And that process is called Politics.

If God’s people opt out of the process, who is left to do it? Our governor and legislature are more than happy to have us leave it to them.

Oregonians voted in 2004 to have marriage be between one man and one woman. In May of 2007, Oregon’s governor and legislature passed HB 2007, the Domestic Partnership Bill and SB 2, a Bill to create new rights and protections based on a persons sexual orientation.

Petitions 303 and 304 were filed to repeal HB 2007 and SB 2 and Concerned Oregonians was formed to help gather signatures. Although more than enough signatures were collected to put it on the ballot, the Secretary of State's validating process eliminated enough signatures to keep it off the ballot. The result was, that we now have a Domestic Partnership Law in Oregon that gives same-sex couple most of the rights and responsibilities of marriage. And the new rights and protections given to people who have perceived discrimination based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity will be enforced through civil action for actual and punitive damages.

You didn't think that could happen? Well, it did happen.

Are we going to stay out of politics i.e., the decision making for Oregon? The answer should be NO. On March 2008 petitions were filed to repeal the laws that were amended by the Bills.

Petitions are available. Teams or "hubs" as they are called are being formed, creating a network of volunteers and information across Oregon. This alone will have a lasting effect on our state.

While the teams and numbers of volunteers are growing, we need more people involved to ensure Oregonians know about the petitions and get a chance to sign them. To become a part of the team, go to the web site concernedoregonians.com and click the link that says sign up. Signing up is important for providing future information as needed.

Unlike the last petition drive, you will pick up and return petition pages locally. You need to sign-up at the web site concernedoregonians.com to be a circulator. If you don't have internet access you can call Medford's Petition Circulator Coordinator, Curt Shuler at (541) 855-2576.

Whether you call it the process or politics, I pray that you mix your religion and faith with your decision-making. The time is now to join Concerned Oregonians and be a part of the team that is making a difference.

Jan Dalton is the Medford Hub Leader for Concerned Oregonians. She writes from Medford, Oregon.