2020 has been off to a tumultuous start. This election year promises to bring uncertainty and challenge. In these times it is important to take stock and make a game plan. How do we as people of faith want to engage with the elections?
The United Church of Christ General Synod has affirmed the idea that our faithful and civic lives are inextricably linked and who we are as a country, and how we care for the most vulnerable among us is, “an expression of our love for God and all whom God has created.” That, “The God of love is also the God of justice. The two are related, for in the Bible justice is the social form of love.” [Twenty-fifth General Synod, For the Common Good]
If that is the case, then being able to elect leaders who reflect our values is critical to gaining momentum on many of the social justice issues we work on. Voting is not just a political practice, but an opportunity to express our love for neighbor, children, and creation.
Here are several ways to get engaged in the 2020 election:
During this election year – make a plan to vote. Beyond that, help those in your community and congregation register to vote and get to the polls. Go to org to find out your registration status and get more information on how to vote.
Learn about who’s running and what they stand for. The presidential election is taking up a lot of airspace, but this year every member of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for reelection. Additionally, there are state and local elections that often have the greatest impact on the ground.
Take the time to get to know the candidates. Attend forums and ask questions.
Be your own critical thinker, don’t let political ads make decisions for you. Learn more about money in politics.
Get artistic; write, paint, draw, sing, dance your hopes for the election. Turn your passion for the arts and good governance into a work of art.
Take up a spiritual practice of praying over the election; for discernment and for justice.
Let your voice be heard, write an op-ed about an issue you care about.
Join with the UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote campaign to get more resources on how your congregation and community can participate in the 2020 election season.