I'm a Democrat Who Wrote About Two Republicans. This Is What Happened.
Seven years ago, I began researching the lives of Ralph E. Church and Marguerite Stitt Church — a husband and wife who, while alive, each served as members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
I am a liberal Democrat. They were both conservative Republicans.
I went into the project with an open mind.
The couple had once lived a mile from my home.
Together, they’d served my congressional district for more than four decades.
They, like me, had three children. Their marriage, like mine, came to an unforeseen end.
Their lives were touched by struggle and tragedy.
While I’ve personally disagreed with many of their political views, I finished writing the book with a deep sense of respect and admiration for both of my subjects.
They were hardworking people dedicated to lives of service.
They wanted to make the world a better place.
They cared deeply about building community.
I'm a Democrat who wrote about two Republicans, and I can’t wait for the world to learn about this remarkable couple.
If you’ve ever wondered how we begin to repair the divisiveness in this country, I humbly offer one suggestion:
Get to know the journeys of people whose lives are unlike your own. Learn about their backgrounds, their influences, their intentions, and their struggles.
When you take this time to learn, you can’t help but find common ground — and a shared sense of humanity.
—Christine Wolf
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The honorable Rep. Marguerite Stitt Church (R-IL) and the honorable Ralph E. Church (R-IL)
