VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/23/14)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is encouraging American Baptists to make use of two newly available voter-education resources.

“Election 2014: Questions for Candidates,” published by the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC), is for people who want to question candidates for federal, state and local office about positions on issues that affect people with disabilities, their families and their communities. It includes suggested questions in four areas of concern—community living, employment, education and access to health care—as well as suggestions for how to direct questions via email, at a candidate’s town hall meeting, or by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.

Curtis Ramsey-Lucas, ABHMS representative to the IDAC Steering Committee, notes, “The questions reflect the ongoing work of the IDAC and are an excellent tool for those who want to be actively engaged in shaping the political dialogue on disability concerns this election season.”

ABHMS is also making available a free, downloadable resource, “Does the Bible Tell Me How to Vote?” This three-session study includes biblical reflections on “The Things of God,” “In God We Trust” and “Patriots to God,” and includes questions for individual reflection or group discussion. “Does the Bible Tell Me How to Vote?” explores the connections between discipleship and citizenship, faith and politics.

IDAC is a program of the American Association of People with Disabilities. IDAC’s mission is to mobilize the religious community to speak out and take action on disability policy issues with Congress, the president and administration, and society-at-large.

ABHMS—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.

ABCUSA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.