I've found myself watching the Olympics more than ever this year. The capacity of the human body to be pushed to the limit, the heartbreak of near misses and unexpected losses, the feeling of elation at medaling after a comeback, the unexpected joy of watching for Snoop Dogg... it's created a sense of global unity that gives me hope for a world that can pull together a bunch of very different people to make something important and historical happen.
As we were enjoying the Olympics, my family lamented the political commercials that kept popping up between segments. Election years can be challenging for anyone, let alone a faith community. We long for unity and also recognize our diversity. We know it’s important to talk about these and to pray for our leaders, but how?
Our church has resources to help support healthy conversation and community, even and especially in election seasons. Living Lutheran recently shared an article on Civility in Politics (Link: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2024/08/62448/) that includes links to the 2020 social statement, "Government and Civic Engagement" and again encourages that we all take a look at the draft social statement, "Faith and Civic Life." More on that and the final hearing in our synod next week is below.
Finally, I'd commend to you, Loving Your Neighbors in an Election Season (Link: https://www.wichurches.org/elections) is a resource from our ministry partner, the Wisconsin Council of Churches. There you will find resources for your church:
for prayer, how to host listening sessions, and worship resources for the election season. May they be a blessing even as we trust these words to be true, "For Jesus is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us." Ephesians 2:14
Pastor Jenn Pockat, Associate to the Bishop,
Director for Communication and Community