In recent decades, Christian clergy have ever more frequently had to decide whether to become involved in politics. When they do become involved, their influence can be substantial. In this book Sue E. S. Crawford, Laura R. Olson, and their coauthors explore the political choices clergy make and the consequences of these choices. Drawing on personal interviews and statistical data to place the actions of clergy in both their religious and secular contexts, the authors study mainline and evangelical Protestant, Catholic, and Mennonite communities. They examine the role of white, African American, and female religious leaders. And they address issues of local development, city government, and national and international politics.

Contributors: Christi J. Braun, Boston University School of Law - Timothy A. Byrnes, Colgate University - James C. Cavendish, University of South Florida - Sue E. S. Crawford, Creighton University - Katie Day, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia - Melissa M. Deckman, Washington College - Paul A. Djupe, Denison University - Joel S. Fetzer, Central Michigan University - James L. Guth, Furman University - Ted G. Jelen, University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Laura R. Olson, Clemson University - James M. Penning, Calvin College - Mary R. Sawyer, Iowa State University - Corwin E. Smidt, Calvin College

Sue E. S. Crawford is an assistant professor of political science and international studies at Creighton University. Laura R. Olson is an assistant professor of political science at Clemson University. She is author or coauthor of Filled with the Spirit and Power: Protestant Clergy in Politics, The Religious Dimension of Political Behavior, and Religion and Politics in America.