With insight born of experience and conviction, The Carter Center's Gary Gunderson suggests ways that congregations, religious leaders, and concerned individuals can take practical steps to improve the health of their communities.As governmental involvement in alleviating social problems wanes, Gunderson argues, congregations are uniquely positioned to feed the roots that build and sustain community life. Their commitment can make the difference in addressing such problems as violence, substance abuse, housing, nutrition, and public health. His book shows why congregations matter, how...

Former President Jimmy Carter has won the respect and affection of millions for his long career as a humanitarian, a peacemaker, and a model of faith in action. The Sunday school classes he leads at his hometown church in Plains, Georgia, are legendary. "These weekly sessions . . . are remarkable for the ability of regular folks to walk in, grab a seat, and exchange views with the thirty-ninth president of the United States," says The New York Times. "But they are also remarkable for what Mr. Carter has to say."
For Sources of Strength, President Carter has culled fifty-two of his...

In 2000 the American electoral system was tested by a political ordeal unlike any in living memory. Not since 1876-77 has the outcome of a nations election remained so unsettled for so long. The past election's recount conundrum shook the nation's faith in the mechanisms that support the democratic process. Led by former presidents Ford and Carter, the National Commission on Federal Reform undertook a study of the American electoral system. This is the resulting report, it describes where and what went wrong during the 2000 election, and makes clear and specific recommendations for reform,...

The unexpected victory by Hamas in the Palestinian elections has once again thrown the Middle East peace process into turmoil. At this critical juncture there has never been a more crucial moment to publish this essential new history by renowned peace activist Mary Elizabeth King. In A Quiet Revolution, King argues that the first Palestinian intifada was characterized by a massive nonviolent social mobilization, rooted in popular committees, and often steered by women. These committees adopted ingenious and durable strategies that began to lead to political results--among them the beginnings...

This first address of the Carl Vinson Memorial Lecture Series at Mercer University is a masterful assessment of the difficulties of resolving disputes. President Carter's guidelines for establishing a more stable peace in the world are concise and imaginative without sacrificing their essential practicality.

The newest addition to the acclaimed Best American series brings readers the year's best writing about faith and spirituality and is sure to enrich the lives of all readers. Includes writings that reflect Christian, Muslim, Jewish, secular, and pan-Hindu perspectives.

Overcoming Katrina tells the stories of 27 New Orleanians as they fought to survive Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Their oral histories offer first-hand experiences: three days on a roof with Navy veteran Leonard Smith; at the convention center with waitress Eleanor Thornton; and with Willie Pitford, an elevator man, as he rescued 150 people in New Orleans East. Overcoming approaches the question of why New Orleans matters, from perspectives of the individuals who lived, loved, worked, and celebrated life and death there prior to being scattered across the country by Hurricane Katrina....