The Church was extremely influential during the medieval ages. They held the ability to disperse information because churches were scattered all over Europe. This enabled their network of monks and priests to share information very fast. Furthermore, they collected taxes from peasants very often in the form of goods (farm produce for example), this made them very rich. They also had control over decisions which different rulers did as they could exile them which wasn't something any ruler wanted.
Carter's foreign policy was oriented toward the goals of human rights and peace, negotiating an arms reduction treaty with the USSR, and a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. Carter's ethos of humility and compassion informed much of his presidency and was reflected in his foreign policy and administration
