THE PASTOR POLITICIAN

I am asked often how I balance being a pastor of a church and an active politician. To many there is an automatic conflict between being a representative for the church, and an activist in the political arena.

Personally, I have never had a difficulty separating my role as Clergy and my interest in the world of elected office. In the 1990’s when I ran for School Board the label was placed on me as the “Minister” running for office. I quickly corrected this with the statement that “I am the citizen running for office that just happens to be a Minister by vocation.” I was cross endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans back then, something that does not often happen. I won that race and served at Vice-Chairman.

So how do I keep one away from the other? What are my principles for balancing the two roles in my life? Well, here are some steadfast rules that I have never compromised in being the “Pastor Politician.”

First, I never bring politics into the church! As Pastor of the Cornerstone Church (www.cornerstonechurch-ct.org) you will not find me preaching politics, endorsing candidates, promoting my own election, or encouraging a Party preference. When I ran two years ago for State Representative members of my church found out about my candidacy like everyone else, through the newspapers. I refused to use my church members to fill my campaign war chest, and never asked them to assist my working campaign.

At Cornerstone we welcome all candidates to drop in to our service, whether Republican or Democrat, and all are treated with the utmost respect for their willingness to serve in their community.

Second, I do not use my political involvement as a means to convert people to my religious beliefs. When I have ran for office I have understood that if elected my duty is to represent the people, all the people what ever their religious beliefs.

When I have been elected I have realized that I must honor the Constitution and the laws of our land. Now, this does not mean that my principles are left at the church doors; it simply means that I must think of the people I represent over my own ideology at times.

Third, and this may make me a terrible politician; I refuse to show disrespect to elected officials that are on the opposing team. Yes, this is where the conflict for some comes into play. Whether, Democrat or Republican we are all Gods creatures. God is not the God to a particular political party.

Recently, our good friends, Brandon and Kerri Abate, moved into Enfield. The first taste of Enfield they received was the Forth of July Celebration. My wife and I invited them to come and share in this great town event with us.

As a good host I introduced them to many of our friends in town, as well as our towns leaders.

They met people like Scott Kaupin, Ken Nelson, and Bill Ragno. But we also introduced them to Mayor Tallarita, Pat Crowley, and Brian Peruta. You see Christian kindness and ethics should always supercede politics. Friendships should never be voided by politics. Better said, “our positions should not create a bad disposition.”

So, how do I balance both Pastor and Politics? Simple, I stand for what I believe without standing on someone else.
There are also many misconceptions about Ministers that make people think they have no place in politics. Here is one just to give an example.

I was approached one time by a person who thought that being a Minister meant that I did not pay taxes, thinking that clergy members are exempt. Although, churches are tax exempt, we in the ministry pay the same property taxes, income taxes and social security…..and every other tax you can think of.

I have come to the belief that since me and my wife are just like every other citizen we have the right and even the responsibility to get involved in the political process. Now, there is no way to totally separate my Christian belief from my public policy. I believe that my faith makes me even a better choice for office since it has given me a true concern for the welfare for others. But, at Cornerstone Church…I am simply the Pastor and I like it that way.

Greg Stokes
Note: Cornerstone is having a special service at 11:00 A.M. Sunday September 10th to remember 9/11. I invite everyone to join us. Call me for more information at 798-5011

Leiberman, Lamont and Schlesinger….Let the Race Begin


Like many who are junkies for politics I watched the returns from eight o’clock until the final speeches on Primary Day. There is nothing like the energy that an election night provides. But, if you think that was a night of high emotions, just wait until November.

This is going to be a history making year in Connecticut politics. First, we have an interesting makeup for the office of Governor with John DeStefano and M. Jodi Rell. I will write later in the campaign about the issues that will be addressed. But, right off the bat I am fearful of a DeStefano victory, as I am not a big fan of socialized medicine and liberal policies.

The big news of course is the U.S. Senate race between Lamont, Leiberman (both Democrats) and Schlesinger (Republican.) Man, is this going to be a strange year in Connecticut.

So, what will this mean for the Democratic Party in our State and nationwide as well? How will their party gain unity when there are two Democratic Candidates running for the same office? Will Alan Schlesinger be awarded a victory simply by gaining more then a third of the political pie?

The answer is…who in the world knows! But one thing is for sure. Our next Senator will be sent to Washington without having a clear mandate by the voters of Connecticut.

Here are a few observations about this years Senate race. First, I will start with Ned Lamont and why he should not win in November.

Lamont is just too liberal to really attract the mainstream citizens of our State. Just watching the Washington elite and the Hollywood types come to town for him shows that he is the favorite of the far left in the Democratic Party. Plus, he is a one issue candidate….and Connecticut has many more issues that need to be addressed.

Leiberman will have a rough road as he enters a new arena in politics….the independent spoiler. This is not a role that Joe has been used too in his political career. Many have told me that he will come out on top in a three way race…the same people who said three months ago that a guy named Ned could never knock off a former Vice-Presidential Candidate.

Then there is Alan Schlesinger, the Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate (unlike the Dems we only have one candidate.)

Now, it will be hard for him to compete with the press Lamont and Leiberman will get during the general election. The national press will be focusing on the top story of the “Democratic Division.” It will be Joe and Ned on the TV circuit appearing on shows like “Larry King Live”, “Hanity and Combs” and “Hard Ball with Chris Matthews”. Out of Fairness the State and national media needs to award him (Alan Schlesinger) the same amount of coverage that will be given to the Democratic Candidates.

A few weeks ago I was rather harsh in my writing about Alan Schlesinger, my parties candidate. I have spoken to Mr. Schlesinger twice since that article came out and he has asked to sit down with me and discuss my concerns. I agreed and we have talked a few more times, including today. I told him what I thought he should have done, and do with the accusations he was facing. I said that people, like me, in Connecticut look for the simple apology when errors come to the surface. Redemption is always open to anyone who seeks it. To my delight he has done just that, and he deserves a second look. I have to say “policy wise” he has some better ideas then the two Democrats running.

This election year is going to be an energetic one with unusual results. Loyal Republicans and Democrats are going to split their tickets. Unknown candidates may see surprising victories in races that usually see no surprises. All because of what I am calling the “Joe Factor.” The true Reality Show!

Greg Stokes

Common Ground….Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel


This week the Democratic voters went to the polls to select their candidate for Governor and United State Senate in the general election. Because this article is written and submitted the Sunday before August 8th there is no way to be current with Tuesdays results.

But, by today we know who will challenge Governor Jodi Rell and Alan Schlesinger for State and National Office.

Two weekends ago I was in Fairfax, Virginia to celebrate my brothers 50th birthday. My older brother by two years in case anyone is wondering. Attending the party was his (my brother) good friends Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel, the odd couple of American politics.

Both Bob and Cal write for numerous newspapers nationwide, including their feature column in the USA Today called “Common Ground”. Both of these talented political figures also appear regularly on Fox News and CNN.

Bob Beckel was the Campaign Manager for Walter Mondale when he ran against Ronald Reagan. He also served in the Carter administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.

Now, along with many humorous stories from both, I had the chance to discuss politics in America and more locally Connecticut politics.

Let me share some of that discussion with you.

On the subject of Rob Simmons I asked Bob did he know of the race for the 2nd District. Quickly he responded “Yep” stating that the 2nd district is the top targeted race in the national campaign. So if we thought that Simmons race was just going to be as normal…be sure it is going to be a rough ride.

I asked both about the U.S. Senate race and more important the Primary between Lamont and Leiberman. Cal stated that he assumed Republicans will be pleased if Lamont wins since it opens it up for a Republican winning this time around. Bob was more concerned with what a Leiberman loss would mean to the under ticket. Dividing the Democratic slate, he said, could lead to many Democrats splitting their votes, aiding in a many Republican victories. I hope his opinion comes true!

Both Cal and Bob were aware of the make up of party affiliations in Connecticut with Democrats out numbering Republicans, and unaffiliated out numbering both. Interesting enough was that both felt to win in Connecticut campaigns must focus on the their party base and not the unaffiliated. But because the Democratic base is splintered this time, the Republican candidates could win even though their base is smaller. It just has to be united.

One thing that struck me was how both felt that the Connecticut race for Senate will be the top campaign watched by the national media.

Cal Thomas and I discussed more local offices such as Town Councils and School Board. He even asked me straight out if our schools run out of supplies early in the year. Items like paper and pencils (talk about all politics being local). I responded yes, that it is a problem in Enfield. He acknowledged the tightness of education money is the result of contracts that limit the freedom of School Boards to care for the kid’s real needs.

But, getting off the political theme with these two men, what really impressed me was the friendship these two political opponents have. There was a true comfort zone as we all enjoyed a social event. The stories of life were at times hilarious and the opportunities that both have had were fascinating.

It was refreshing to see how people can keep politics in their place. It was great to see how two individuals who work hard for their ideology could sit and enjoy the company of people opposed to their opinion. The one thing that bonds Cal and Bob is their mutual faith in Jesus Christ....that's where my brother comes in, serving as friend and spiritual mentor to these men.

I saw the true nature of friendship that supersedes politics. Simply, they both enjoy people and leave politics at the door.

Great lessons for all of us to learn.

One last story from Bob Beckel: Bob was contacted by Larry King to guest host his show. Bob knowing that Larry only gives up the show when the guest are not top tier, ask who was scheduled for the show. “The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” Larry responded. Great, Bob said, I will be happy to host. When Bob got to the studio it turned out to be the original Dallas Cheerleaders…going back to the 1960’s....not was he expected, kind of like politics.

Greg Stokes