Burnside Writers Collective published my article “St. John’s Leads the Nation in Civil Rights,” about the civil rights history of the Church of the Presidents. The article includes information on Barack Obama’s inauguration and Martin Luther King Day.
As we gear up to Election Day 2012, one of the main considerations voters have is: how do the candidates’ religious beliefs influence their leadership? Do their economic plans care for the widows and orphans? Will extending money to those in need unfairly take away the rights of others to the money they worked hard for? Do their healthcare plans help all people? What do family values really mean? Do they look out for the poor in spirit, the disenfranchised? Do they protect all people’s rights? Do they try to play the role of God? Does their faith make them weak? Do their beliefs do more good or more harm to the country? How should we vote when it seems that upholding one of our values leads to hindering one of our other values?
A few years ago, I visited what’s become known as The Church of the Presidents. St. John’s Church Lafayette Square has had every president of the United States come through its doors since its first service in October 1816 was held. You can read about it in my Church Hopping column on Burnside Writers Collective.
Stephanie Nikolopoulos is a writer, editor, writing teacher, and speaker based in New York City.
She is the coauthor, with Paul Maher Jr., of "Burning Furiously Beautiful: The True Story of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road.'"
You can email her at stephanie_701 {@} yahoo.com
Stephanie Nikolopoulos 