As I write this on Tuesday evening, I am watching coverage of election results, with my own “I Voted” sticker on. It’s looking like there have been some significant successes for reproductive justice and other issues in alignment with our Unitarian Universalist values. I’m feeling some hope!
I am also thinking ahead to next November, and how important those elections (presidential, congressional, and otherwise) will be. I have already pledged that between now and then I will write at least 500 postcards to voters (or potential voters), through an organization led by people of color. I will also be engaging with UU the Vote (www.uuthevote.org), our denomination’s organizing arm related to voting.
There is often confusion about what churches can and cannot do in the realm of politics. The short answer is that we as a congregation cannot promote or oppose a specific candidate, but we can—and I believe we are ethically and spiritually called to—speak about our values as they connect to voting. We as individuals, including ministers, can speak publicly about who we intend to vote for and why—just not speaking on behalf of the congregation.
I invite each of you to think about how you might get more involved in our democracy at levels from the local to the national. A year might feel like a long time, but it is not too soon for us to begin thinking about our strategies.
The 5th principle in the UUA bylaws states that we affirm and promote “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Let’s do all we can to be fully engaged citizens, participating in and strengthening our democracy!
In gratitude and hope,
Rev. Diana