Local churches address election issues

Each Sunday evening through September, members of First Baptist Church of North Augusta will gather for prayer.

Their focus this Sunday is support for the military, an issue more crucial than ever leading up to November's presidential election, said the Rev. Gary C. Redding.

"I think everybody knows this is a critical election," he said. "Our country is very much in need of prayer."

Discussion, too, said organizers of a forum to be held Monday night at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta.

The event, which is being organized by the church's women's group and open to women of all faiths or no faiths, will address political issues that affect them.

Panelists include state Sen. Ed Tarver; Jessica Morris, spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Paul Broun; Denice Traina, a co-chairwoman of the Georgia Green Party; Hamilton Taylor, of Georgia Obama Unite for Change; and Mary Beth Pierucci, the director of public policy of Planned Parenthood of Georgia.

When dealing with an issue as divisive as politics, the Rev. Redding said, it's important for the church to avoid polarizing the community or congregation.

First Baptist will not endorse any candidate or distribute political materials at the evening prayer sessions.

"What the country is going through, it's bigger than a party. It's bigger than a candidate. It's bigger than a platform," he said.

Reach Kelly Jasper at (706) 823-3552 or kelly.jasper@augustachronicle.com.