Three articles from the current issue of The Christian Citizen, "Children in Poverty: Local Churches Respond," that relate to political issues are available here as downloadable Web-based resources. The title of each links to a PDF file of the full article.

"Questions on the 'No Child Left Behind Act' for Candidates in the 2008 Federal Elections" (237 KB PDF) features 10 questions for presidential and congressional candidates designed to help evaluate their understanding and support of public education and their plans for directing usage of federal education funds.

"The 'Vote Out Poverty' Campaign" (151 KB PDF) outlines a national Sojourners effort to mobilize the church and people of faith to put poverty at the top of our national political agenda and set goals for reducing poverty in the United States and around the world.

"ABC Policy and the Political Process" (213 KB PDF) again explores the relationship between faith and politics and reminds American Baptists that ABCUSA Policy Statements and Resolutions can help to apply faith insights to participation in the political process.

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Located in Washington D.C., the Office of Governmental Relations engages in public policy advocacy on behalf of the American Baptist Churches USA, while encouraging American Baptist participation in the political process. It is a place to come and learn about issues, American Baptist policy, and the role of public advocacy.

The recent focus of the office's work has been in the areas of welfare reform (TANF) reauthorization and the federal budget, specifically as it relates to support for programs serving those in our society in greatest economic need. The office also provides leadership for the emerging denomination-wide Children in Poverty Initiative.

The office maintains a network of American Baptist clergy and laity known as Faith in Action. This network engages and supports American Baptist participation in the political process. Members are encouraged to make connections between discipleship and citizenship, and to share their concerns, as informed by their faith, with their legislators and the wider community.

Receive periodic e-mails on governmental relations issues.