Testimonies from the Board of Directors: Michelle Kirtley

For years I have been frustrated by the way political candidates and elected officials demonize their opponents and see allegiance to a political tribe as more important than real-world problem solving. Christians have bought into this narrative, believing that we have to choose between support for abortion or support for the poor and vulnerable, along the way throwing our support behind unrelated policies that are not consistent with a biblical vision for justice. Yet I continue to meet Christians who are hungry for a new way of exercising their civic responsibilities to the glory of God. I am giving my energy to APJ because I firmly believe that education about how we can love our neighbors together through politics and coaching through the nuts and bolts of local political engagement will help make a difference in local communities, and, eventually, in our national political conversation.