Presbyterian Pastor Hosts Faith and Politics Class to Address Election-Year Tensions

Daniel Breed, a pastor at Emmaus Road Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, is navigating political tensions within his congregation with a focus on fostering dialogue and unity. The church, part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), includes members with differing political views, some supporting Donald Trump and others voting for Joe Biden in 2020. To address these divisions, Breed hosts a faith and politics class in the months leading up to Election Day. The sessions, held every other week, include meals and discussions on historical evangelical political engagement and strategies for cross-partisan interaction.

Participants explore examples of faithful Christian involvement in politics and consider ways to engage across political divides. Breed emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for congregants to process the fear and anxiety associated with political issues. He believes the close-knit church community is an ideal environment for listening and asking questions, noting that the congregation has remained united despite differing opinions.

Breed advocates for direct conversations about political topics within the church, believing that such discussions can help maintain unity. He acknowledges the broader trend of political polarization, citing a Pew Research Center survey that found nearly 80 percent of Americans have “just a few” or no friends across the political aisle. The survey also highlights that partisanship often leads individuals to perceive others as more extreme than they are, contributing to negative views of opposing parties and voters.

Researchers note that many who maintain cross-partisan relationships do so by avoiding political discussions altogether. Nearly half of Americans have stopped talking politics with someone due to differences. However, more evangelicals like Breed are challenging this norm, seeking to engage in meaningful dialogue rather than accept polarization as inevitable.

The situation reflects a broader challenge for churches navigating political tensions. As polarization deepens, leaders like Breed are exploring ways to foster understanding and unity, recognizing the importance of maintaining community bonds in an increasingly divided society. Their efforts highlight the potential for faith communities to serve as spaces of reconciliation and mutual respect, even amid political disagreement.

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