Endorsements: Stand Alone or Come Home

Richard J. Foster, founder of Renovaré, and author of various books including Celebration of Discipline
Mark Hatfield is one of the most significant political figures in recent memory…significant because he carved out in his day a creative path between the old options of conservative and liberal. Because Hatfield was at one and the same time a progressive in political thought and an evangelical in religious faith, he gives us today new ways of looking at the interface between politics and religion. The perspective of Mark Hatfield, as presented in Stand Alone or Come Home, is vital to the contemporary political milieu.

Tom Getman, executive director international relations, World Vision International;
Senator Mark O. Hatfield’s legislative director, 1978-1985
Every person who aspires to public service should own and use this handbook, which chronicles the humility and courage of a man who was unafraid to stand alone because his principles dictated his politics. Mark O. Hatfield, the modern-day William Wilberforce, is one of the most extraordinary elected officials of the 20th century. His story told by Lon Fendall inspires the reader to consider what American politics could again become.

Myron S. Augsburger, president emeritus and professor emeritus, Eastern Mennonite University
Stand Alone or Come Home, which presents Senator Mark O. Hatfield as a disciple of Jesus in the political arena, is a must-read for those who want to understand the role of Christian presence in government. Lon Fendall presents Senator Hatfield as a progressive evangelical whose mission was not to “Christianize” government but rather to bring a Christian understanding of issues into the governmental processes. He sought to be clear on justice and peace in treating all people with equity. From my association (as an inner-city pastor in D.C.), it was evident to me that Hatfield’s walk as a disciple and his spirituality of relationship made a special impact on Capitol Hill. As a Mennonite and a pacifist, I am privileged to know and respect Senator Hatfield as my Christian brother.

John Perkins, founder of John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation & Development
For more than 35 years Senator Hatfield has been a friend, mentor, and hero of mine. He was gracious enough to write the endorsement for my first book, Let Justice Roll Down. His life is a testimony and profile of courage, conviction, and integrity. He had the courage to stand alone as he made the difficult decisions, the right decisions. Everyone could learn from Senator Hatfield’s life, and I pray that his example will inspire the next generation of leaders.

Mark David Hall, Herbert Hoover distinguished professor of political science, George Fox University
Senator Mark O. Hatfield was one of the most influential evangelical statesmen in the last half of the 20th century. Lon Fendall is undoubtedly correct that his faith had a significant impact on his public service. Stand Alone or Come Home is enjoyable history, but it is also a useful guide for Christians as we think about how faith should influence politics in the 21st century.

James W. Skillen, president, Center for Public Justice
Mark Hatfield was an unusual senator from what now seems like a bygone era. But he was simply ahead of his time—a pro-life Republican who was more progressive on social justice and the environment than many Democrats today. Fendall’s fine study introduces us to a statesman who fit no type, a Christian with a high view of public office.

Stephen P. Hoffmann, R. Philip Loy professor of political science, Taylor University
A generation ago Mark Hatfield modeled Christian political engagement for evangelicals just beginning to think about how to relate faith to politics. Lon Fendall offers an insider’s retrospective on a distinguished career in electoral politics. He makes a strong case that Hatfield is comparable to William Wilberforce as a “progressive evangelical” leader, while not hiding the dilemmas and criticisms Hatfield encountered as governor and senator. This book is a timely tool for reassessing the evangelical involvement in public life that has both reflected and contradicted Hatfield’s example.

Marie Rietmann, former staff to Senator Mark O. Hatfield; current lobbyist for Women’s Action for New Directions (formerly Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament)
An insightful and accurate portrait of a truly great leader who always endeavored to do the right thing in public policy. One especially important contribution in Senator Hatfield’s vast political legacy is the moratorium on U.S. nuclear-weapons testing he achieved in 1992. The moratorium still stands today as the cornerstone of eventually ending the scourge of nuclear weapons worldwide. Many of us working to build on what Mark Hatfield started regard Hatfield as the founding father of progress on the issue we care about most—ending nuclear testing and achieving nuclear disarmament.

Steve Monsma, research fellow, The Paul Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin College
Readable, first-rate, inspiring. Lon Fendall tells the inspiring story of Mark Hatfield’s career as Oregon’s governor and U.S. senator, and of his courageous stands for what were at the time unpopular causes. He clearly shows how these stands—and his progressive approach to public policy issues, more broadly—grew directly out of his Christian commitment as an evangelical. Hatfield’s inspiring story is one of Christian faith and commitment to principle overcoming political expediency. I highly recommend this book.

Ronald J. Sider, president, Evangelicals for Social Action
Stand Alone or Come Home is a significant book about one of the most courageous, biblically faithful, Christian politicians in American history. An important book for anyone interested in applying Christian faith to public life.

Timothy Sherratt, professor of political studies, Gordon College
Fendall does readers a service in pointing to a model for Christians in politics that is framed by the values of human stewardship, reconciliation, and basic human dignity. Hatfield’s politics will make interesting reading for a new generation of evangelicals who may be unfamiliar with Hatfield but whose evangelicalism instinctively resembles his.

Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney professor of history, University of Notre Dame
Mark Hatfield was an important American politician for a very long time. Now in this well-documented book, Lon Fendall explores the moral and Christian principles that undergirded Hatfield’s public career, and also shows how such principles might help others to engage in public service with higher ends in view.

Gerry Frank, former chief of staff to Senator Mark O. Hatfield
Having spent decades at Mark Hatfield’s side, I know this statesman’s character to the core. He, indeed, played a historical role in Oregon’s and the nation’s political well-being, and is a sorely missed example in today’s acrimonious Congressional halls. All of his life, Mark Hatfield led his state and country by personal demonstration of faith in God and country. Lon Fendall has captured, in a superior manner, the spirit and the accomplishments of this talented public servant.

Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor, Northland, Longwood, Florida; author of A New Kind of Conservative
No matter what you thought of the stands Mark Hatfield took, our nation is richer for his public service. Viewing policy as a deeply moral endeavor and an expression of personal faith, and embracing the common good rather than the advancement of only one party is a pattern we all can follow. This book is an inspiration!