Democratic or Republican? What Church Leaders Are Saying about Faith and Politics

An overwhelming number of evangelical leaders say they do not want to be affiliated with one political party or another, according to a recent study by the National Association of Evangelicals.

The survey comes after many church leaders have been lambasted by the media for seeming to side with the present administration despite some very public foibles by the White House.

The Evangelical Leaders Survey, which researches subjects ranging from creationism to cell phone use, found that 83 percent of evangelical leaders surveyed say their identity should be in Christ and not a specific political party.

Alan Robinson, national director of Brethren in Christ US, echoes this sentiment, adding, "Evangelicals should be identified with the person and priorities of Jesus and His kingdom."

When asked, "Should evangelicals in America be identified with the person and policies of President Trump?" several leaders commented on the need for leaders to be seen as non-partisan.  

They feel the church should support specific legislation that encourages a biblical worldview but stop short of aligning with one political party over another.

In comments to the survey, George Wood, chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, admitted some recent Trump policies have helped America.  

"There are many aspects of the current administration's policies that are good for our country," Wood said.

He goes on to say that is the duty of the church to pray for those in authority, "and we should be doing that for the president no matter who he or she is."

Some leaders see the need for a distinction between support of policy and support of a president as a dire directive for the church.  

The survey quotes Rich Nathan, senior pastor of Vineyard Columbus, who warned of impending doom for the evangelical church if it continues supporting the Trump administration.  

According to Nathan, an "evangelical alliance with the current administration will result in the turning away of the Millennial generation and people of color from considering the Christian faith."