Using Our Democracy Muscle

Around the globe, elections are a time of heightened concern about policies and political loyalties. We all sense how critical those matters are as we approach the November 3 election of a President, Congressional leaders, and many other local officials and judges. It can be tempting to believe that the outcome will either go our way or clear disaster will ensue.

There are certainly issues of grave significance at stake this fall, especially as we continue to grapple with the impact of this pandemic season. Issues of unemployment and immigration reform; policies for community redevelopment and public safety; and long-held preferences for one party’s strategies or another's are in the headlines and evident in our own social media posts.

As Lutheran Christians, we come from a reformation heritage that affirms that God works through good government for the well-being of all. We also affirm that addressing one another with civility and respect matter. These matter so much that the ELCA has produced a social message on discipleship within a democracy. You can read that message here. There is even a study guide for small group discussion in your congregation or around your family table.

Will you and I be disappointed after the November 3 election? Whatever the election outcomes in Minnesota and our country turn out to be, the gravest disappointment for me will be that some will not vote at all. Some citizens may brush off this opportunity to bring their best judgment to the polls or feel hampered in exercising this right.

You may have already cast your ballot, as I did earlier this month. But if you have not yet exercised your democracy muscle, please do. And help your neighbors do the same. In a democracy, the vote of each person makes a difference.

In God’s service,

Bishop Patricia Lull