c. 1996 Religion News Service

(Charles W. Colson, former special counsel to Richard Nixon, served a prison term for his role in the Watergate scandal. He now heads Prison Fellowship International, an evangelical Christian ministry to the imprisoned and their families. Contact Colson via e-mail at 71421.1551(at)compuserve.com.)

(UNDATED) Republicans are desperate to attract women voters, which is why last week’s convention featured many high-ranking GOP women, from keynote speaker Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.) to Elizabeth Dole, whose virtuoso performance provided the most lasting impression of the week. Women also inserted most of the hatpins into the Clinton voodoo doll while the men, including House Speaker Newt Gingrich, conducted themselves as perfect, if slightly toothless, gentlemen.

Because women are at center stage, I suggest that Americans take a closer look at another woman with prominent GOP connections: Joanne Kemp, wife of vice-presidential candidate Jack Kemp. I can offer some insights here because Joanne and I are close friends. She also serves on the board of Prison Fellowship, of which I am the chairman. And she understands the dangers inherent in the acquisition and exercise of political power. During an election year, the value of her presence should not be underestimated.

(Before I say more, a disclaimer is in order. For years I have cautioned Christians about the pitfalls of thinking that politics provides the solutions to the cultural crisis we face. I have also advised religious leaders against endorsing political candidates. To my mind, it is clear that the church is expected to forge tight associations with the downtrodden, the hopeless, and sinners of all stripes.

But we must draw the line at getting into bed with politicians lest we endorse the notion that one candidate is the Lord’s favorite while his or her opponent represents the interests of the netherworld. Conscientious believers will be casting ballots for both Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. This then should not be taken as an endorsement, even implied. End of disclaimer.)

Now, about Joanne Kemp. To my mind the most attractive people in the political world are those who recognize the value and necessity of public service while simultaneously recognizing its pitfalls and limitations. Joanne is such a person. And take in from me, her kind is all to rare in the political world, which is filled with those who believe that politics is the alpha and omega of existence. To be cornered by such people is excrutiatingly painful, to be avoided at all costs. More importantly, their pomposity is dangerous, as it opens the door to corruption and abuse of power.

Joanne Kemp is a strong antidote to this dangerous conceit, and her strength, quite simply, comes from her religious faith. She is an active member of Fourth Presbyterian Church, a noted evangelical congregation in the Washington area. For 18 years, she has conducted a Bible study for the wives of congressmen and political figures. The significance of her faith may not be readily apparent. Let me try to explain how it can make a difference.

The act of teaching the Bible amid the trappings of immense power is a subversive act in the best sense of the word, for what is being taught is this: The power you wield is of a subservient nature. It is not ultimate nor is it to be wielded for personal gain. When Joanne Kemp teaches these lessons to the powerful, she is, in fact, teaching humility to those who have very strong incentives to be decidedly un-humble. This is a significant public service.

Joanne Kemp’s participation as a member of the Prison Fellowship board goes to the other end of the power spectrum. In this case, her heart, mind and talents are put to the service of the powerless, those who live at the very bottom of society _ who have, indeed, been locked out of sight and out of mind. Yet the lessons she helps bring to the inmates are the same ones she brings to the powerful, and they are equally transforming. Anyone who doubts the universal appeal of religious faith, and its ability to transcend both the perils of power and the perils of powerlessness, has much to learn from Joanne Kemp.

Many Americans insist, of course, that religion and politics should not intersect in any way. They seem to believe that goodwill coupled with fear of prosecution is grease enough to keep the political machinery running smoothly. Let me speak from personal experience: Life doesn’t work that way.

Politics, like fire, is a wonderful servant but a fearful master. Without people like Joanne Kemp and the faith they expound, we’d have a much harder time keeping that fire in the box.

MJP END COLSON