Polarization is like powerful magnets placed throughout our ideological spectrum. They pull us apart and clump us into tribes. We have a hard time breaking away from the magnetic security of being with like-minded people, who reinforce our like-mindedness. Efforts to move toward others must labor against that pull.

For this reason, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and World Relief have published a short sign-on statement of repentance, renewal, and resolve. It is based on the 2004 NAE document For the Health of the Nation, an evangelical call to civic responsibility and a guide for public leadership.

The statement focuses on eight broad issues of moral importance that are rooted in biblical convictions: protecting religious freedom, safeguarding the sanctity of life, strengthening families, seeking justice for the poor and vulnerable, preserving human rights, pursuing racial justice, restraining violence, and caring for God’s creation.

Read the full article at Christianity Today.

Walter Kim

Walter Kim is president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University, was a chaplain at Yale, and has served in diverse pastoral ministries. Before becoming NAE president, he served as a pastor at Boston’s historic Park Street Church and at churches in Vancouver, Canada, and Charlottesville, Virginia. He serves on the boards of World Relief, Christianity Today and The Salvation Army USA and is frequently sought out for theological and cultural commentary on issues facing the church and society.