It is no secret that we are in the midst of a contentious and divisive election season. People of faith—both within our church and across the country—hold different convictions about the candidates running for office this year, as well as about various social issues and policies. These opinions are often very strongly held and “real” conversation sometimes seems impossible. How are we to navigate this treacherous terrain as people who seek to be grounded above all else in the life of Christ?
Our new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Nathan Pipho, in his September bishop’s newsletter (his first), recently directed our attention to an ELCA draft Social Statement of Civic Life and Faith which seeks to offer theological guidance on this complex subject. I commend it to you. You can find it here. Please keep in mind that this is a draft and comments are still being received from the public.
Perhaps even more importantly, I encourage you to begin an intentional practice of prayer for our nation over the coming weeks, now that early voting has commenced in some states. I am attaching here some prayers authored by the Rev. Kimberly Deckel that I find helpful.
Let me conclude with one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer:
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.