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Dear siblings in Christ,
I am filled with joy whenever I remember our 172nd Annual Convention this past weekend. We sang, we danced, we prayed, we connected more deeply with each other, and we did the business that God called us to do. I came away strengthened, renewed, and hopeful about the future as we step forward with courageous faith. I am so grateful to be your bishop!
At the same time, we are preparing for an Election Day that many have described as like no other in the history of our nation. Not only are we deeply divided along ideological lines, we are also rightly concerned about election-related violence and the peaceful transfer of power. Stress and anxiety are running rampant and we may feel that we are fraying around the edges.
There are a few important things to remember right now. First, take care of yourself. If the non-stop election news cycle causes you extreme stress, take a break. The news will still be there in a couple of hours, or tomorrow. Second, take care of the people around you. As Jesus told us to love our neighbor, that’s what we need to do, whatever that looks like for you. Third, if you have not yet voted, make a plan to vote, and encourage your friends and family to vote also. As Christians who are commanded to love our neighbor, we cannot sit out this election.
Outgoing Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has said, “the principle on which Christians must vote is the principle: does this look like love of neighbor?” We must vote for the candidates, the policies, and the issues that move our society in the direction of treating every person with dignity and respect, and of grounding our state and our nation in justice and peace. As your bishop, I give you this charge: love God, love your neighbor, and vote.
I am very glad that many of our congregations plan to hold prayer vigils, worship services, or other opportunities to gather on or around Election Day. If your congregation has not yet planned an opportunity like this, I ask you to consider whether doing so would be a way to be of service to your community. Even just opening the church building can be an offering of a peaceful place simply to be quiet in the presence of God during a very stressful time. This may be another way that your congregation can practice love of neighbor.
In addition to your local congregation, Brother James and The Benedictine Way in Omaha will be offering a time of prayer and vigil online from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time. The link is HERE, and more information is on the flyer (see image below). Also, The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations is holding “Election Night Virtual Prayers” at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central) on Zoom and Facebook. The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, who takes office Nov. 1 as the church’s presiding bishop, will open the event with his reflections and prayer.
Whatever happens in Tuesday’s election, and whenever it is that we learn the results, I ask you to continue to pray for our state, for our nation, and for those whose opinions differ from yours. The next presidential administration and the next congress, whatever their composition, are not going to miraculously create an environment in which people of differing opinions are able to discuss their differences. Our nation will still be deeply divided. Part of our path forward as church may well be to develop processes and create opportunities for people to come together across difference and to learn to love one another despite those differences.
Remember that God loves you, more than you can possibly imagine. Take a deep breath. Make a plan to vote. Take care of yourself and those around you.
Blessings,
+Betsey
The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
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