Community Conversations for Democracy Series #3
July 11, 2026, 10am-12pm
Kingston Village Green
The relationship between faith and American civic life is one of the most enduring and consequential conversations in our nation’s history. From the founding era to today, questions about the role of religion in public life, governance, and national identity have shaped policy, political movements, and communities across the ideological spectrum. Join us for a thoughtful, informed and balanced conversation on these topics.
Our Panelists
Paul Benz is an ordained Lutheran minister and longtime social justice advocate with more than two decades of lobbying experience in Olympia. He served as Executive Director of the Lutheran Public Policy Office for 11 years before co-founding the Faith Action Network of Washington (FAN), a statewide interfaith partnership of 162 faith communities advocating for a just and sustainable world. Over his career, Paul has championed legislation on affordable housing, minimum wage, health care, climate, immigration, police accountability, and racial equity — working to ensure that the progressive voice of faith communities is heard alongside elected officials and the public. After retiring from FAN, he continues his advocacy through Partners for Social Change, lobbying on social justice issues in Olympia and Washington, D.C.
Jim Wellman is a Professor of the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies, where he leads the Initiative for Global Christian Studies. Jim is the author of several acclaimed books, most recently High on God: How Megachurches Won a Nation (Oxford University Press, 2020), and has built an interdisciplinary career at the intersection of religion, society, and international affairs. He also teaches the widely celebrated course A Life Worth Living, which draws on religious, philosophical, and psychological resources to help students flourish in every dimension of their lives.
Some Organizations to Consider
Faith Action Network (FAN) is Washington State’s multifaith coalition for social justice, formed in
2011 from the merger of the Washington Association of Churches and the Lutheran Public Policy
Office. With over 150 congregations and thousands of members statewide, FAN advocates for
economic justice, affordable housing, immigrant rights, healthcare, criminal justice reform,
environmental justice, and voting rights. FAN organizes an annual legislative day in Olympia and
trains faith leaders in public advocacy.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Legislative advocacy — participate in FAN’s annual Olympia lobby day and ongoing campaigns
- Issue campaigns — join working groups on housing, immigration, environment, healthcare, or
voting rights - Faith community organizing — bring FAN’s resources to your congregation in Kitsap
- Events and education — attend and support FAN workshops, speakers, and advocacy training
Faiths United to Save Democracy (aka Franciscan Action Network)
Faiths United to Save Democracy mobilizes people of faith to serve as poll workers, poll chaplains,
and election protection volunteers. Rooted in Franciscan values of peacemaking and justice, it trains faith community members in civic participation, de-escalation, and voter protection. Over 175 members committed as poll chaplains and workers in 2024. The program builds interfaith unity,
increases public trust in elections, and provides voters with a sense of safety and welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Poll worker — apply to serve inside a polling place; contact gmartinez@franciscanaction.org with subject ‘Interested in Poll Working’
- Poll chaplain — provide a welcoming, peaceful presence at polling sites; training provided
- Election protection — monitor elections and help voters access their rights
- Voter registration — lead faith community voter registration drives
Readings
Local activist John Kydd has written this excellent analysis: “Defending our Fundamental Faith Values: Understanding Christian Nationalism and Other Causes of American Authoritarianism“.
If you are interested in further exploring this topic, one of our members recommends the following books:
The Kingdom, The Power, And The Glory
By Tim Alberta
Separation of Church and Hate
By John Fugelsang
The False White Gospel
By Jim Wallis
The Founding Myth
Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American
By Andrew L. Seidel
Jesus and John Wayne
By Kristin Kobes du Mez
Star-Spangled Jesus
By April Ajoy
The Bible Told Them So
By J. Russell Hawkins
The Bible Says So
By Dan McClellan