In July former President Donald Trump addressed a Conservative Christian group called Turning Point Action in West Palm Beach. He said, "Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won't have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you won't have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians."[i] In a follow up Fox News interview, he doubled down on this statement.
In the Episcopal Church, clergy cannot tell voters whom to vote for, but we do encourage our members to be informed voters and to consider the values our Church holds dear in our mission to the world. One of those values is the right to vote itself.
We urge Episcopalians to vote faithfully in every election. Why? It is our civic duty. It is our responsibility to take part in our system of government. We pray that our votes make this nation a better place, “a more perfect union.”
24. For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, 822.
Jesus said, “the truth will set you free (John 8:32).” We would do well to reflect on this verse as we approach Election Day. Former President Trump and Senator Vance say that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH have been abducting dogs and cats and eating them. This is not the truth.[ii] Violence and hatred have been unleashed. And people are living in fear because of this lie. The truth matters.
Another consideration is our openness to the wisdom of others. Recently General Stanley McCrystal gave his insights into the importance of this election.[iii] I met the general very briefly when I served as Chaplain at West Point in the 1990s. (His brother, Colonel Scott McCrystal, was a chaplain from the Assembly of God and we worked together in ministry.) In his op-ed, General McCrystal reminds us that the next president “must be more than a policymaker or a malleable reflection of the public’s passions. She or he must lead — and that takes character. Character is the ultimate measure of leadership for those who seek the highest office in our land.” The truth matters. Character matters.
This season is a time for listening and discernment. There is wisdom we need to hear. It may be found in courageous statements that hold country above party. It is most truly in the teachings of Jesus and may be heard in voices among us that cry for justice, bread and peace. The truth matters. Character matters. Seek wisdom in these days.
Let us pray.
27. For Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, 823.
+Doug
[i] “Trump tells Christians they won’t have to vote after this election,” July 28, 2024, By Tim Reid for Reuters
[ii] Haitians sue Trump, Vance, Musk, others in federal civil rights, defamation case
[iii] Opinion, Guest Essay, Stanley McChrystal: Why Kamala Harris Has Won Me Over, Sept. 26, 2024 NYT
