Abstract
‘Race, ecumenism, and politics’ considers how race, politics, and religious broadcasting have historically shaped the organizational principles of Pentecostalism. Where there is sufficient freedom for opposition political parties, trade unions, and a civic sphere, Pentecostals may feel themselves mandated to move into politics, either as result of theological convictions about the extent of the kingdom of God or out of self-defence and to prevent persecution and injustice. Only in racism has Pentecostalism betrayed its theological and spiritual values. Pentecostalism's very success has been dependent upon its belief that the Spirit of God has been poured out upon the whole human race. For this reason, racism has been largely absent from Pentecostal history.
