The Rev. Jim Wallis, editor of “Sojourners” magazine and one of America’s most socially concerned Evangelical Christians, has recently published a four-page guide of what he calls “Principles and Policies for Christian Voters.” Beginning with the command in Proverbs 31:9 to “Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy,” Wallis covers seven topics, buttressed with biblical quotes for each, beginning with the issue of compassion and economic justice. As he puts it, “Work must work and provide for family economic success and security” — something that is no longer true in today’s America for a large portion of its citizens, especially for its children. Nor must addressing world poverty be neglected.

Next come issues of peace and the restraint of international violence. Here, ending the United States’ occupation of Iraq is seen as the priority, followed by the total elimination of nuclear weapons, the ending of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the strengthening of the United Nations and international law to fight terrorism.

Third on the list is working for a “Consistent Ethic of Life,” not only drastically reducing abortions, but ending capital punishment and halting genocide in its various forms around the world.

Fourth comes ensuring racial justice both in terms of economic and other social inequalities, but even in terms of the environmental conditions under which many people, especially America’s poorest minorities, are forced to live.

Fifth, and closely associated with the above, come related issues of human rights, dignity, and “gender justice.” Among these issues are humane immigration policies, the end of the use of torture, the ending of human trafficking, the promotion of religious freedom, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and the defense of the rights of women.

Sixth on Wallis’ list comes the strengthening of families and renewal of culture, both on the domestic and civic as well as business sectors. America’s failure to realistically come to grips with its drug epidemic and, as a result, domestic violence and crime, and with its escalating prison population, is a national disgrace.

Last but certainly not least, is our obligation to practice “Good stewardship of God’s creation.” As much as possible, we must look for leadership in the attempt to reverse the trends of global warming and other climate changes which threaten the stability of human civilization. In addition to providing clean air and water, long the standby of any sense of ecological responsibility, we have to look for leadership in providing clean and renewable sources of energy.

No doubt, many people would revise the order of importance among these seven topics. For one, I would question whether the issues of world peace can ever be effectively addressed, or at least solved for long, without first addressing the issue of natural resources and our destruction of the environment. And certainly many people would have differing opinions as to how each of these issues can be most effectively resolved. For example, how can poverty be eliminated or how can there be a “Consistent Ethic of Life” without affordable health care for everyone? But if nothing else, Wallis’ list should make it clear that anyone who votes on the basis of one single issue is not only short-sighted, but is shirking his or her responsibilities as a Christian or even simply as an American citizen.

— Richard Kropf is a retired priest and theologian who lives along the Black River. The complete Sojourners voting guide for Election 2008 can be downloaded at www.sojo.net or obtained by calling 1-800-714-7474.

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