The Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics was created in 1997 to continue the work of integrating Christian faith and politics advanced by its namesake, educator and public servant Paul B. Henry.

Paul Henry was a leader of Christian vision and action. After earning his undergraduate degree at Wheaton College and his Ph.D. at Duke University, Henry taught political science at Calvin College from 1970 to 1978.

While at Calvin, Henry served as a member of the Michigan Board of Education. Leaving Calvin in 1978 to pursue public office full-time, Henry was elected to the Michigan State House and, later, to the State Senate. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 1984, where he served until his untimely death in 1993, at the age of 51, of brain cancer.

Henry was known as a person of conviction, credibility and courage. His book, Politics for Evangelicals, provides a blueprint for his own involvement in public service. His academic and political careers were characterized by a constant search for justice, providing powerful evidence that politicians can be principled and effective. Serving the Claims of Justice: the Thoughts of Paul B. Henry celebrates the life and work of Paul Henry in the words of people who knew him well. To obtain copies of the book, contact the Henry Institute at henry@calvin.edu.