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As a faith leader in Portland, I stand with colleagues and people of faith all around this country, in hope and also in frustration and concern as Election Day draws near. I find hope in solidarity with people of faith who are speaking out for an inclusive and welcoming society for all. I am deeply troubled to see some who claim the name Christian — candidates for office and their supporters — spreading messages of exclusion, hate, and judgment.
Recently a diverse group of Christian leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., where they crafted a Statement of Christian Faith and Democracy (see faithanddemocracy.net), professing their faith, proclaiming the sacred worth of all persons, and calling for “multi-racial, multi-faith, multi-generational democracy, where every voice is valued and every person afforded the opportunity to participate fully and freely in the life of the community.” I invite you to join me in signing.
In part, the statement reads: “Love of neighbor calls for the inclusion of all our fellow neighbors in the political process. Democratic participation enables individuals to live in service to, and in solidarity with one another — especially the marginalized among us. As Christians, we are called not merely to pursue self-interest, but to prioritize the collective good.”
I will be voting in this upcoming election following these principles. I believe the way of love is one that works for the collective good, especially for those on the margins. Please join me in rejecting hate and voting for a more inclusive country, state, and community.
Sara Ewing-Merrill
Portland
The BDN will stop accepting letters and OpEds related to the Nov. 4 election on Oct. 29. Not all submissions can be published.