Too often, we see what happens in the voting booth as separate from what happens in church. When we do that we are missing the tow opportunities: one, the chance to talk together with like-minded congregational members about the issues that are represented by this election.
And two, we miss the opportunity to present arguments as a group, as a group of Christians. Progressive and mainline Christianity has been too quiet in the public square. We can model the good news we know, which is peaceable, loving, and dedicated to care of the least of these.
Vote. Talk to Elected Officials. Preach.
For as long as our government is a democracy, our number one tool for changing the system is to vote. We must ask which candidates will act on our ideals of caring for the poor, treating all people equally, and helping to lift up the oppressed. We don't always have good choices, certainly all people running for office are imperfect, as are we. But Christians need to vote with their faith on their sleeve.
While churches cannot legally support a particular candidate, we can help members of our congregations figure out the most important Christian values for each race. In local races consider how school and town decisions affect the poorest among us. Remember the importance of high quality schooling is especially important for those with fewest material resources. Remember it is hard to learn without a good breakfast and lunch. Ask officials to protect trans people, immigrants, everyone. For state and national races, work to elect people who will prioritize care for people who are poor and people who are stigmatized by our culture.
Identify how the biblical witness informs our vote. Micah 6.8 calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly before God. Humility requires listening to others, doing justice requires standing up for those who need our support.
Between elections engage your elected officials to share what you wish was happening. Some see a representative they disagree with as not really theirs. We must give up that viewpoint. It is particularly valuable if we as Christians address representatives that identify as Christian, sharing the biblical witness for why care of the poor and the oppressed is how we serve God.
Contact politicians by email, fax, mail, and whenever possible, by phone or in person. If you use a script, add a line or two that is specific to you, your congregation, and your faith. It is great to share a story of someone who is poor and how the legislation under consideration will help or hurt them. Work to build relationships with decision makers at the local, state, and federal level. Invite them to meet people who need the resources government can provide.
There are three common ways for visiting a politician. You can set an appointment to visit yourself. Or engage as part of a legislative action day. These are centered around issues, so identify one that you care about. At Worcester Fellowship (a street church) we tried to bring three or four people from our homeless congregation to meet with our representative.
The third option is less common, but is a powerful tool — visit your representative as a congregation. Bring three or four people, and make it clear (if true) that you are speaking for your congregation. If you are meeting with an elected official who is Christian, bring a written, one page, biblical argument concerning the issue at hand. Be prepared to share a story, or two, about how the proposed legislation will affect people in your congregation, or people your congregation works with. Imagine if you could get three or four congregations to do the same!
Help people run for office, providing background information for why our faith has opinions on how people who are poor are being treated. Talk with others about how to create a culture that presumes we must care for one another. As Christians, our engagement with public officials isn't about hating one set of leaders and loving another. It is about engaging lovingly, and firmly, making sure they understand the real consequences of programs and policies. Our goal is to get to know our leaders as people, and help them to transform.
How does your church find the line for being engaged in politics? What issues does your church focus on? Are you ready to meet with an elected official you disagree with?
Reply to this email to let me know what's happening.
Do you wish you had a script for calling your senators and representatives? Five Calls provides the phone number, and a script, for your reps. I recommend adding something about your faith and the biblical witness for our call to care for our neighbors.
The UCC declaration to defend refugees will give you language for talking with your representatives about our responsibility to care for the stranger among us.
No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here. Making a visible sign in your church and on your lawn helps set the town in your town that siding with immigrants is a reasonable view. Sign the pledge to protect immigrants.
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