Looking at seven issues from the perspective of diverse faith traditions in the U.S. — and the particular intersection of identifications, institutions and ideals they represent — helps us better get a sense of how religion may, or may not, play a role in determining the shape and outcome of this year’s vote.

Shaun King is a former church pastor, activist and journalist who focuses on social justice and racial justice issues. He is currently a writer-in-residence at Harvard University’s Fair Punishment Project. In 2018, he was the keynote speaker at Washington State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Contact via his agent, Josh Katz.

Emilie M. Townes is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Religion & Black Studies at Boston University School of Theology. She is an ordained American Baptist clergywoman. She is an expert on Christian ethics, womanist theology, cultural theory, as well as racial and economic justice.