Survey finds support for church lobbyists

Washington – Research released from a Princeton University study of mainline Protestants shows overwhelming support for denominational lobbying in Washington, eve3n though most pastors have little or no contact with their church’s capital offices.

The survey, released earlier this year, is a sweeping look at all aspects of mainline churches. Laura Olson, a researcher at Clemson University, profiled the political role of Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal and American Baptist churches, among others.

According to Olson’s study, 84 percent of mainline pastors support their denominations’ Washington offices, while a small percentage – 8 percent – feared losing their voice in Washington.

“The fact is that these offices do fulfill a vital role for their denominations,” Olson said. “They undertake the national political work that many clergy cannot or will not do.”