The role of Christians in government

Marilyn Musgrave is a first-term legislator in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she recently has endured considerable scorn as chief sponsor of a proposed constitutional amendment declaring that marriage is reserved for one man and one woman. Musgrave, 54, and her husband, Steve, have four children and are members of The Sanctuary, the Assemblies of God church in Fort Morgan, Colo. Before she participated in the Pray the Way rally in Washington, D.C., in August, Musgrave sat down with News Editor John W. Kennedy.

PE: What are the biggest political concerns facing Christians?

MUSGRAVE: The issue in the forefront is the Federal Marriage Amendment, which I’m sponsoring in the House of Representatives. What we’re facing in this culture is whether we will redefine marriage. For more than 200 years in our country we’ve said that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. I hope to keep that definition intact. Because of the recent Supreme Court ruling (Lawrence and Garner v. Texas) and the anticipated ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (Goodridge v. Massachusetts Department of Public Health) homosexual marriage likely will be recognized in Massachusetts and therefore a challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act will begin. I believe the law will be overthrown and that’s why we need a constitutional amendment.

I also believe it’s important for believers in office to stand up for the sanctity of human life, to do everything we can to slow the growth in the divorce rate and keep families intact. The government should not take over the role of the church. We as Christians should take care of widows and orphans.

PE: What has the General Council meeting in Washington, D.C., meant to you as a member of the Assemblies of God?

MUSGRAVE: It’s been very touching to me to think about Christians coming from all over the United States to worship the Lord and to pray for our nation. We do need to pray, and as the Scriptures say, to humble ourselves and repent. The condition of our culture very much rests on our shoulders.

PE: What have you learned about the limitations of political answers to solve spiritual problems?

MUSGRAVE: The problems in our culture are just symptoms of spiritual problems in our nation. We must return to God and biblical principles for answers. There are limitations to what we can do, but I’m so thankful I have a voice and a vote. And I’m thankful that I can carry legislation such as the Parental Notice and Intervention Act that would inform parents if their minor daughter is seeking an abortion. I’m one vote out of 435, but there’s not that many in this nation that get to do this.

PE: How difficult is it to maintain a strong faith while serving as a member of Congress?

MUSGRAVE: Christians here encourage one another when we get together for Bible studies and prayer breakfasts. Many constituents pray for me on a regular basis and that’s what I need more than anything. In all walks of life — schoolteacher, attorney, police officer — there are challenges to our Christian walk.

PE: Tell us a little bit more about your faith journey.

MUSGRAVE: I came to the Lord at an early age. I appreciate my mother making sure I heard the gospel and went to church. I’m especially thankful for my pastor, Ben Baughman, and his wife, Brenda, and the prayers the church has offered up for me since I’ve been in office. In 1994, Pastor Ben prayed for me, that I would find favor, and I’ve felt that in this journey. It isn’t always easy.

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