God and the 105th Congress: Religious activists set their agendas

c. 1996 Religion News Service UNDATED _ As the 105th session of Congress convenes Jan. 7, political activists of all stripes are readying for another contentious year, and religious groups _ liberal, moderate and conservative _ will be included in the fray. Here, in capsule form, are the major issues of concern to religious groups: […]

c. 1996 Religion News Service

UNDATED _ As the 105th session of Congress convenes Jan. 7, political activists of all stripes are readying for another contentious year, and religious groups _ liberal, moderate and conservative _ will be included in the fray. Here, in capsule form, are the major issues of concern to religious groups:


ECONOMIC ISSUES

_ Expect a balanced budget amendment to be a”pro-family”issue for some religious activists. While religious conservatives will lobby for more cuts in”big government,”moderates and liberals will work to retain a government safety net for the poor.

_ Conservative Christians will aggressively push for a $500-per-child tax credit.

_ Catholics, mainline Protestants and progressive evangelicals will support efforts to minimize the negative impact of last session’s welfare reform, especially on immigrants and children.

EDUCATION

_ The issue of school prayer will be revisited. Jewish and mainline Protestant groups will again oppose efforts to change the First Amendment. Religious conservatives remain divided over differing measures to allow more religious expression in schools.

_ Roman Catholics and evangelicals will lead the charge in favor of federally funded vouchers that parents can use at the schools of their choice, including religious schools.

FOREIGN POLICY

_ Several religious groups will lobby against further cuts in foreign aid, particularly to developing nations.

_ Catholic bishops will pursue an agenda of fewer weapons and more development overseas.

_ Evangelical Christians will advocate measures to eliminate religious persecution around the world.

GOVERNMENT

_ Campaign finance reform could mobilize new coalitions in the religious community, with both liberals and conservatives raising moral concerns about how campaigns and elections are funded.

_ A December Hawaii court decision in favor of same-sex marriage has focused concern among religious conservatives over the ideological makeup of federal courts.

_ The burning of many black churches in 1996 have led mainline denominations to devote new attention to fighting racism and expanding affirmative action.


SOCIAL ISSUES

_ Abortion foes plan to reintroduce a ban on the so-called”partial birth”abortion procedure, which was vetoed by President Clinton.

_ New legislation is being considered to prevent any forms of physician-assisted suicide.

_ Religious activists on the left, right and center could form new alliances to combat sex and violence as the government considers regulating a variety of media, from television to the Internet.

_ Religious groups will again be on both sides of new efforts to expand gay rights.

_ A broad coalition of religious activists will monitor progress of the newly established federal commission studying the social and economic impact of gambling.

MJP END LAWTON

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