Election 2012, "Test of Fire": What role for America's churches and people of faith?

Civil libertarians and religious conservatives are both very committed to the notion that the American constitution's provision relative to the separation of church and state should be rigorously enforced, albeit not always for the same reason or reasons.  However, given that it is the supreme law of our democracy, what should be the proper role of America's churches as religious institutions, in the process and discourse that is an American election, particularly in a presidential election year.

The Catholic Church has posted a video on You Tube that gives a very clear answer as to their assessment of the proper role: right in the middle of the mix!  Take a look:



I bet I'd be safe in saying that TEC (at least 815 Second Street, NYC) will not be endorsing our Catholic brothers and sisters bold stance on the "non-negotiable" issues addressed: marriage, life and freedom.  But should we as The Episcopal Church do so?  Should all Christian churches? What does Holy Scripture teach us?  How have we, the Church, historically viewed scriptural authority on these matters?  Is this not a case where our faith calls us, individually and as "the Church", to resist the cultural preferences of the day and to hold firm to the Authority of Scripture and God's eternal message to his creation?  Will we vote the values that will stand the test of fire?  If not now, when?

God's peace. <><