This is part one of this series of posts by some friends answering this question: In what ways does your faith in Christ impact how you think about and engage with the upcoming presidential election? See the introduction for more info.

I can’t think about the relationship between faith and politics without also delving into the values I hold as a social worker. To me, the three are indelibly linked. I was raised in a conservative Christian home. My college sociology classes led to the realization that I did not necessarily agree with my parents’ political views. Shortly before the 2000 presidential election I examined all the issues, from abortion to the environment, and was shocked to discover I was, indeed, a liberal. Since graduating, some of my political views have mellowed due to being tested in the “real world.” Poverty, health care, and the war in Iraq are at the top of my list, but I’m also deeply interested in social service initiatives. These things are so interconnected!

It was disheartening to be told during the 2004 election that I was not a true Christian if I didn’t vote for Bush, especially since I didn’t think his policies lined up with my values. The Sojourners movement was my saving grace when they declared “God is not a Republican…or a Democrat.” Christians should be the ultimate swing vote, not polarized on a few specific issues. I do prioritize social justice issues because of my social work background but also because of Isaiah 58:6-11. I want to see how the marginalized people of this society will be cared for, whether legislatively, government grants, the church, or grass roots movements. I try to do my part but I want to see our elected officials advocate as well. Sometimes political integrity seems like a lost cause but we press on. It is especially exciting to exercise our right to vote during this presidential election! I am full of hope for what lies in our future.

Leigh is a hospice social worker in the western Chicago suburbs; she loves reading, anything music-related, spending time with friends and family, and the Chicago White Sox. She blogs at Confessions of a Young Looking Social Worker.