Why do we vote when our individual vote is unlikely to be the deciding factor in local, state, or federal elections? Because we have responsibilities to the common good that cannot be done in isolation. Voting is not the only way we are supposed to live out our faith. It's a foundation for showing our dedication to each other.
Voting is a spiritual practice, if it is done with compassionate intentions. The physical acts that are involved in voting - learning about the issues, talking with friends and neighbors about the candidates, going to the polls, filling out the ballot, turning it into the ballot box - solidify our spiritual commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Charity and volunteering alone will never be up to the task of meeting the needs of the wider community without some forms of collective response. There is a role for government action. It is our taxes that provide care for the elderly, assistance for those in poverty, affordable housing to those who cannot pay market rents, research into renewable energy, and so many other necessary forms of redistribution that save lives and improve our collective quality of life. Voting cannot be separated from the kind of society we want to have for each other.
PCU's "Voting as an Act of Faith" event will take place on Sunday, May 22 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, CA. Click here to indicate that you plan on attending. The evening will combine sacred ritual with song, a message from PCU President Paige Eaves, and sales of PCU's latest book, Deeper Love. It is free and open to the public. Invite your friends, especially those on the fence about voting!
Also, by next week, we will have event materials available for congregations and groups to have their own "Voting as an Act of Faith" events in their areas. These will be available to be used for either a stand-alone event or may be incorporated into a regular worship service between now and June 7 (or before November!). Please take this opportunity to encourage followers of the Way and all people of good will to vote, let their voices be heard, and commit to transforming our country into what the Divine is calling it to be!
In hope,
Timothy Murphy
Executive Director