The response of the diverse Christian body to news of Democrat Barack Obama’s victory in the US presidential election has been predictably varied – some congratulating, others wanting to put aside differences to work together, and still others insisting on challenging him when he takes office.
The National Council of Churches USA, a left-leaning network of 100,000 local congregations, congratulated president-elect Obama and pledged to support him in the tough times ahead as he navigates the country out of dangerous waters.
But the religious right had a markedly different tone in response to Obama’s election victory.
Focus on the Family, the most prominent religious right organisation in the US, rejoiced over the fact that Obama will not have a 60-seat Democratic Senate that would have allowed him to push through legislation without serious contention....