Special to United Methodist Insight
NEW YORK – In the midst of uncertainty surrounding the November 2020 presidential election, United Methodist Women assembled via its monthly Faith Talks podcast to discuss maintaining faith in the midst of uncertainty.
Guests included Bishop Leah Daughtry, co-founder of the Black Church PAC and On These Things LLC; Harriett Jane Olson, general secretary and CEO of United Methodist Women; Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee, executive for economic justice and climate justice lead; and Emily Jones, executive for racial justice for United Methodist Women. More than 330 women joined the podcast’s live recording.
For people who are questioning what to do in this moment, Bishop Daughtry noted, “You have to know what you believe, even when shaky. This is part of having faith. Women of faith should hold onto the faith and remember why you are doing the work you’re doing.”
Ms. Olson added that “Although we may feel discomfort or disappointment at the electoral process, we must remember that our work existed before the election, and it will continue post-election. We work and labor because justice has a claim. Our job in this moment is to hone our spiritual practice and continually express love in our ministry and advocacy.”
In speaking to what must be done in the first 100 days of the next administration, Ms. Lee said, “God has called us to advocate for this world. Our air has not become clearer after Election Day. As women of faith, we have a responsibility to call our elected officials to remind them of the priority of moving towards renewable energy. Our job as Christians is not to win; it is to faithfulness. The question is ‘will we be faithful when God calls?’”
In times of uncertainty, Ms. Jones said, “It is easy to lose hope. For Christians, however, our hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. While the federal possibilities for education justice work will be different based on who wins the election, we must continue to advocate at the federal as well as the local levels. Work to address systemic racism is not just about what we ask of the new administration but also what we have to ask of ourselves.”
“At the end of the day, we should boldly embody the will, the word and the way of God,” Bishop Daughtry added.
Jennifer R. Farmer is a communications consultant for United Methodist Women.