Religious Leaders and Faith-Based Politics: Ten Profiles

Although separation of Church and State has been a hallmark of the American democracy, political involvement by the clergy has also been part of the tradition of the US experience. Prelates have led the public debate from colonial times, raising moral awareness about revolution, slavery, temperance, civil rights and cultural wars. Consequently they have had a significant impact on the course of public policy and deserve close examination because of the renewed and intense commitment of evangelicals, Catholics, Muslims and Jews to preach, teach and act in politics today. The contributors to this volume analyze the dynamic between religion and politics and their impacts on public policy. In the wake of the 2000 election and at the start of a new administration, they ask: might we expect greater American religious involvement in the years ahead?