A study to describe the perceptions of public policy makers to the public witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in determining economic public polic

Churches have been engaged in a justice seeking public witness to politicians as they determine economic policies. As the social context and the place of the church in society have been changing in Canada, this study describes the perceptions of politicians about the contribution of the churches in determining economic public policies. It is a central assumption of this project that the churches do have a contribution to make to discussion about our economic life in the public square.;The author presents an overview of the historic relationship between Canadian churches and the state. The study includes an exploration of the biblical and theological foundations and develops some elements of theological ethics that help address current economic issues.;The Canadian churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, have often developed their views on why they should address governments. This project conducted a series of interviews to ask Canadian federal and provincial politicians from various political parties for their reactions to the churches' participation.;The interviews supported the assumption of the study that the churches had a contribution to make and should be involved in helping to determine economic public policies. The writer then describes some of the different expectations that politicians interviewed have of the churches' involvement. The study underscores the importance of sustained and continuing dialogue with politicians.