What does it mean to participate politically while remaining mindful of Christian faith? The ELCA’s new social statement, Faith and Civic Life, has a lot to say on this question. Spoiler alert: the heart of the document is this: The foundation of our faith is that we are called in baptism as beloved children of God and that we are commanded to share that love with our neighbor.
What does this mean on election day? It means that not one of us becomes more holy, more justified, more pure, more Christian, more good based on how we behave on election day. The boxes we check and the political party we join do not help us climb a ladder to heaven or give us a stamp of approval from God. Our value, our status in God’s eyes comes from God’s love for us.
However well you reason, however you vote, however you lobby, however you act – this will not make you more or less beloved, pious, or righteous. Your vote will get you an “I voted sticker” but it will not get you an “I am Holier than Thou” sticker.
This message is excerpted from “Faith and civic engagement” by Jennifer Hockenbery from the October 20, 2024, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is Election Day in the United States.
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