James Skillen compares and evaluates three new books: Jubilee Manifesto, published in England and edited by Michael Schluter and John Ashcroft; Toward an Evangelical Public Policy, edited by Ron Sider and Diane Knippers for the National Association of Evangelicals; and God’s Politics, by Jim Wallis. Skillen looks at (1) how they appeal to God and use the Bible, (2) what they try to inspire or cause to happen, and (3) what they tell us about the quality and potential of Christian citizenship today.

The editor argues that the moment for achieving positive change in the Middle East is upon us. But for Israel and the Palestinians to make further progress, the United States must do more now to bring the two sides together.

James Skillen comments on an essay by Lew Daly in the spring issue of the Boston Review that looks into the background of the Center for Public Justice because of its influence on Clinton and Bush policies for welfare reform. Daly’s is an important, if somewhat misleading, essay.

Alice-Catherine Carls introduces a pocket-size book by Tennessee state senator Roy Herron titled How Can a Christian Be in Politics? Not only can a Christian be in politics, he and she should be, says Herron. With stories and illustrations from more than 20 years in politics, Herron explains his Christian vision for pursuing justice, protecting life, and advancing the common good.

Lawrence Uzzell, head of International Religious Freedom Watch, evaluates the latest annual World Report from Human Rights Watch. He appreciates the self-criticism of one article on "Religion and the Human Rights Movement." Yet the author concludes that Human Rights Watch is overlooking or supporting religious discrimination even as it works to expose other human rights violations.

Terry Woodnorth provides a detailed report (with numerous links) on National Hunger Awareness Day and the One Table, Many Voices conference, held in Washington, D.C., June 4-7. Bread for the World and Call to Renewal organized the events that brought together groups from around the country to worship, lobby, and encourage one another to work toward ending world hunger.

Lawren Sinnema reviews the book Protestant Political Parties: A Global Survey by Paul Freston, an authority on Christian political engagement in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The book introduces and compares Protestant parties in more than 40 countries. Some parties in Europe have been around for more than a century. Those in the Third World are a mostly new phenomenon.