Instead of grasping for political control, the church advocates within the state for the most just, least violent action possible. There is no dualism in this outlook – there is not a different standard of justice for the church and the secular world. For example, the church calls on the state to pursue peace to the greatest possible degree, refraining from interventionist wars or capital punishment, though without expecting it to forswear all force; it urges it to care for the poor, the orphan, and the stranger, while acknowledging that the state cannot eliminate every inequity. In such ways, we seek to promote the practical good as far as circumstances allow, never losing focus on our most important calling: to follow Christ.

A Bruderhof member reflects on how a Christian community interacts with government.