Global Vision is a trip to New York City with a study seminar at the Church Center across from the United Nations. Our purpose is to further knowledge of world affairs in a Christian context so as to allow youth to respond as they feel called by God.

Our seminar topic will be Faith in Politics, Faith in Policy. As we find ourselves in the midst of an election year, one question that bears asking is what role faith should have in politics and in both foreign and domestic policy decisions. Religious beliefs naturally have influence on individuals -both those who serve in a political office and those who vote for political leaders. Should religious beliefs and faith be used as a campaign tool (to sway votes by how the candidate defines or expresses their faith and beliefs or to manipulate people via faith convictions)? Should our faith influence how we vote and who we vote for? What should be the relationship between faith/religious beliefs and policy decisions? Where is the separation of church and state within all of this?

Our theme will be The Bible in the Ballot Box. As Christians, we must consider how our faith and the Bible inform our voting for political leaders and our views on government policy.

Global Vision will begin with travel from the Methodist Building in Raleigh to Washington, DC where we will spend the night and visit the Methodist Building on Capitol Hill with part one of our seminar. We will then continue on to NYC by chartered bus. On Thursday and Friday we will engage in our seminar and tour the UN. Saturday will be our sightseeing day. In the evenings we will visit the Empire State Building, eat at Hard Rock Café, and see a Broadway play. We will return home on Sunday after worship at Riverside Church.