Voters in line
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A United Methodist Insight Column
Here are some notes amid our collective anxiety over the Nov. 3 election:
National Public Radio reports Hrair Balian, director of the Conflict Resolution Program at The Carter Center, said the center – which typically monitors elections in unstable countries overseas – is focusing on U.S. elections. “The center is operating behind the scenes, working with local faith leaders in an effort to keep everyone calm,” writes NPR’s Joel Rose.
“… Balian said he doesn't want to sound like an alarmist but some of the things he sees happening in this country are, frankly, alarming. ‘What we fear is that guns, protests and elections do not mix well,’ he said.”
It’s encouraging that the Carter Center has engaged in monitoring U.S. elections, even though it's staggering that such monitoring takes place in the country built on the freedom to vote as one's conscience dictates. The Carter Center's work around the world has been exemplary in assuring free and fair elections, and its staff can do the same for us, if need be.
Foreign policy experts who have observed unstable governments around the world also have a dim view of what may happen on election day. In general, these experts rate the threats to the United States far differently than average voters, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center (see chartt below).
Threat chart
Meanwhile, NPR also reports: “Election officials in many states say it is now too late for voters to return absentee ballots by mail and are encouraging them instead to deliver their ballots by hand or vote in person.”
Remember, John Wesley encouraged the Methodists who had voting privilege in the 18th century to exercise it. We suggest following advice from the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton:” don’t throw away your shot and deliver your vote whatever it takes. And wear a mask!
When politics causes a split
Much as we’ve tried to exercise Christian forbearance during this agonizingly stressful year, some of us simply have had to “unfriend” acquaintances, even to the point of distancing ourselves from relatives who hold opposing views. NPR’s Tovia Smith reports in "Dude, I'm Done": “[Those quoted] are among the many Americans for whom political rifts have deepened. It's one thing to disagree about something such as tax policy, they said. But they see their differences now as ones of basic morality, core values and character, and that cannot be overlooked.”
Sadly, United Methodists are old hands at the pain and separation sharply divided beliefs can cause. Contributors to United Methodist Insight have offered guidance for the past four years on how to get along with friends and family with whom we have deep differences. In hopes of easing our readers’ tensions, if not preventing complete breaks, we offer the following links to these prior articles for your consideration over the next few days:
Three Ways Jesus Shows Us How to Connect with Those Who Believe Differently by Jack Shitama
Five Keys to Find Common Ground This Election Season by Mark Feldmeir
The Problem with Being Right by Jack Shitama
Everything – Even Elections – Belongs to God by Katie Z. Dawson
Which Do You Feed – Anxiety or Hope? by Jack Shitama
Become a Reconciler by Bishop Gary Mueller
Media Mentions as of Jan. 29, 2020
When pastors go into politics: Who are the religious leaders running for Congress? – Deseret News
Church is not a building, it's people: Churches go digital during pandemic – Green Valley News
New England church leaders note 'decision fatigue, exhaustion' among those in ministry – masslive.com
Gay couples race to wed over fears for future of same-sex marriage – NBC News
Taco trucks and voter guides boost political profiles of faith communities at the margins – Religion News Service
‘Religious equality’ is transforming American law – The Atlantic *
Future of disaster relief efforts: Faith-based safety net largely comprised of older volunteers – Alabama Baptist
* Paid subscription required
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. She and her husband John voted early as allowed by Texas law.