| Dear Siblings in Christ, In this season of our Annual Giving Campaign, we remember that stewardship can be defined as “all that we do with all that God has given us.” This election season can also be viewed through the lens of stewardship. What will we do with the sacred privilege of voting? How will we use our voice to fulfill God’s mandate to care for Creation (Genesis 1:28) and to bring the Kingdom of God near? I am grateful to be able to share two resources for you to consult in your efforts to be good stewards of the right to vote. —You can learn more about specific ways to faithfully engage in the election process, as well as what The Episcopal Church has officially said in voting-related resolutions, by clicking here. —More locally, you can participate in Souls to the Polls, a non-partisan community effort sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Indivisible that encourages eligible voters to participate in early, in-person voting. They suggest visiting vote411.org to check voter registration information. If you’re interested in volunteering to assist in providing or coordinating rides, please check the League of Women Voters website. While I will never tell you who to vote for, I do think it important to remind you of the importance of being an engaged voter. It is also more urgent than ever to be a Christ-like presence in the public square. Which is to say, walk the way of Love, work for justice, be instruments of peace and advocates for the vulnerable. These are gospel values, not partisan positions. We are, first and always, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, citizens of God’s kingdom. With that in mind and trusting in the power of prayer, I offer this “Collect for Disagreement without Contempt” from The Episcopal Church’s website: God of truth, whose Son taught us to speak with courage and to love even those who oppose us, we pray for our common life in times of political division. Guard us from propaganda and deliberate falsehood, from words meant to humiliate rather than persuade, and from anger that turns disagreement into contempt. Give integrity to candidates, leaders, commentators, and all who shape public debate, that they may speak truthfully and resist exploiting fear for advantage. Teach us to disagree without dehumanizing, to listen without surrendering our convictions, and to debate difficult questions with honesty and respect. When we are tempted to see political opponents as enemies, remind us that they are our neighbors. By your Holy Spirit, make our words instruments of understanding rather than division, and give us the courage to seek truth together, even when we disagree. Through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Amen. Peace be with you, AJ + |
