role of local Protestant churches in family and gender politics

This thesis examines the role of local Protestant churches in family and gender role politics. Broward County churches are studied as interest groups participating in a network of religious institutions concerned with public policy affecting gender roles, family, and women in society. A mail questionnaire sent to Broward County ministers of Protestant churches yielded important data about patterns and methods of political participation of churches. Chi square and difference between means analysis is used to determine which institutional and ministerial characteristics are the best predictors of local church activism on the issues of child care, abortion, contraception information in public schools, gay rights, and creationism.