A Different Kind of Christian Political Activism

Any media discussion about Christians, Christianity or Christian political activism inevitably seems to focus on right wing evangelical groups like the Christian Coalition. Because of their growing power in recent years, everything from opposition to abortion to gay bashing, are often presented as mainstream Christian responses. Today on Democracy Now!, we look at another kind of Christian political activism — one based in a sense of social justice, that defends women’s rights and that seeks to feed the hungry, house the homeless and comfort the sick.

GUESTS: REV. DR, JAMES FORBES, the head of New York’s Riverside church, one of the largest multicultural congregations in the country. Unlike many mainline evangelical churches, the Riverside church has taken a leading role in fighting for social justice in New York and nationwide. Formerly, a professor at the Union Theological Seminary, Newsweek has called Dr. Forbes one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English speaking world.
DR. DELORES WILLIAMS, a professor of theology and culture at Union Theological Seminary in NY. The author of "Sisters in the Wilderness," Dr. Williams advocates "womanism," a philosophy that seeks to uplift women of color and bring spirituality back into feminism.
DR. JACK SHELTON, an ordained Presbyterian minister who runs the Program for Rural Services and research in Alabama. Dr. Shelton’s program aims to empower rural Alabamians through educational reform and community development.
JIM WALLIS, author of Who Speaks for God, founder of Sojourners magazine and Call for Renewal.