Preparing for the Election as People of Faith
In the church, we hear the truth of the gospel which calls us to live together as God’s people. What then is our call as people of faith given the reality of the partisan and divisive political campaigns surrounding us and the truth of God’s word embodied in Jesus? Do we ignore the rhetoric, withdraw, and keep our faith and “politics” separate? Or do we prepare for the election by traveling the way of Jesus, knowing we are united with Christ and called to participate in God’s reign of justice?
Those are the questions we will address together as we prepare for and participate in the upcoming election as followers of Jesus. Leading up to the election, we share these reflections based upon Scripture and the ELCA Social Statement draft of Civic Life and Faith. We invite people to pray, knowing that prayer opens our hearts and minds to listen to God and see the image of God in others. And we challenge one another to speak and share our perspectives in ways that enhance the conversation rather than tear down others.
Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Liturgy for Election Day - This service can be used as is or adapted to be used as the polls open, at any point throughout the day, or as the polls close.
KIFA has developed ksfaithvotes.org as part of their voter outreach efforts. It has resources including where to find out if you're registered to vote, guidelines to what faith communities can and can't do in the electoral sphere, sermon starters, and other useful links.