Lara Rusch ~ 39
knowledge, and efficacy, with currency outside of the church walls. As discussed above,
the congregation’s process of joining and becoming active in collaborative bridging
projects entails internal discussion and negotiation of authority. By understanding lay
people as engaged in negotiation and influence within institutions, scholars can avoid
theories that over-determine the power of religious authority, yet take it seriously as a
contextual factor shaping opportunities for political action in communities. Even when
congregations belong to a community organizing network, participation is a struggle to
maintain, in competition with the inward pull of internal debates and other priorities.
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