On the eve of our nation's 58th presidential election, I adjure you, if you have yet to vote, to fulfill your democratic responsibility and do so. Voting is not only our obligation as American citizens, it is our duty as Christians. Exercising our vote is one of the vehicles by which we manifest our love of neighbor; it is one of the ways by which we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. In voting we can be the Good Samaritan, we can come down out of Zacchaeus's sycamore tree and engage, we can become our brothers' and sisters' keeper. These are mandates of our faith, and voting is an important way you and I live into them.

 

In addition to your vote, I invite and encourage your prayers. While it may seem that the campaign season has been interminable, the hardest work of this election cycle lies before us. Beginning Wednesday, following an exceptionally destructive and divisive national discourse, we face the responsibility of reconciliation, even with those who may not be much interested in reconciling. Ahead is the hard and essential work of reclaiming our commitment to the other, our responsibility for the other, and our love of the other. This is as much God's expectation of us as is our voting.

 

It is prayer that will open our hearts, prayer that will inspire our commitment, and prayer that will empower the work of healing our nation needs. The Book of Common Prayer offers a number of intercessions that you will find helpful. They can be found on pages 820-822. Please add them to your daily prayers.

 

Do not be discouraged; as always, the kingdom of heaven is near.

 

Gratefully,

 

The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.

Bishop of Ohio

 

(Please share with your congregations and fellow communicants.)