We often hear about the need to keep politics out of the Church. The American ideal of separation of Church and State, as well as aversion to partisan politics preached from other pulpits reinforce this opinion. The threat posed by Christian Nationalism seems to confirm this mistaken opinion, but in fact, it should inspire us to be politically active.
Our baptismal covenant calls us to seek justice and mercy, to love neighbors, to care for the stranger, and to steward God’s good earth by voting. Engaging in politics is a natural outcome of loving God and neighbor (and creation). Your Beloved Community Working Group offers the following advise and encouragement.
Yourself
- Prayerfully discern God’s purpose for the world and for our country.
- Inform yourself about issues and candidates.
- Decide which vote best addresses the needs you perceive.
- Vote early.
- Confirm your voter registration is up to date.
- Attend diocesan Beloved Community meetings and visit our webpage.
- Volunteer to serve on a city or county board.
- Pray for God’s will to be done.
Others
Loving our neighbor and our country extends beyond our personal involvement. Here are actions you can take:
- Encourage Others to Vote by speaking to individuals about why you will vote.
- Use “I” statements about your faith and hopes for our country and the world.
- Respect the vote of others, especially when they disagree with you.
- Put up yard signs.
- Actively support candidatures and issues important to you.
- Ask clergy or lay leaders to encourage people to vote using their faith in deciding.
- Ask clergy or lay leaders to include prayers for successful and fair elections.
- Hold or join a postcard writing party.
- Hold or join a voting party.
- Offer voter guides to interested people.
- Invite others to join you at candidate forms.
- Invite others to serve on a city or county board.
- Encourage people to confirm their voter registration is up to date.
Resources
+The diocesan Beloved Community meets via zoom on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm.
Contact rickmatters@gmail.com
+Episcopal Church Office for Civic Engagement
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/civic-engagement/
+Episcopal Advocacy Tool Kits
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/civic-engagement/advocacy-resources/
+BJC Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation
https://bjconline.org/electionresources/
