United Methodists Encouraged to Vote to Bring About 'Beloved Community'

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A United Methodist Insight Special

Exercising their right to vote – not just for the coming presidential election but for state and local ballots as well – gives United Methodists the opportunity to bring about God's "beloved community."

Panelists from the General Board of Church and Society made that point repeatedly during an hour-long webinar Oct. 16. Speaking on behalf of voting were Bishop Julius C. Trimble, newly installed top executive of the UMC's social-justice agency, and the Rev. Kendal McBroom, director of civil and human rights. Watch the webinar.

The webinar came in the wake of new data about United Methodists and voting. Independent researcher Ryan Burge wrote on his blog, Graphs about Religion:

" ... Data show a rightward shift in the voting patterns of United Methodists. They were 55% for (John) McCain in 2008 and that has just slowly crept up. In both 2016 and 2020, about 61% of United Methodists were (Donald) Trump supporters. Of course, with the Methodist schism occurring in the last couple of years, I would fully expect the UMC voting bloc would become less red in the 2024 contest.”

Moderator Aimee Hong asked Bishop Trimble and Rev. McBroom several questions aimed at describing the ability to vote as a "sacred duty" for all US Christians. Church and Society panelists stressed that their point wasn't for United Methodists to vote for a particular candidate, but to view the 2024 election as an opportunity to vote for values that would create "a common good."

Bishop Trimble began the discussion by quoting the United Methodist Social Principles, a set of guidelines for Christian living found in the Book of Discipline, the official collection of church law and policies. Currently, Paragraph 164 notes that first amendment to the US Constitution sets up what's known as "the establishment clause," which states government won't set up a state religion and also protects citizens' right to free religious practice. (The Social Principles were revised in May by the 2024 General Conference, the UMC's highest legislative body, to be less US-centric but still advocate for free and fair elections. The new Social Principles go into effect Jan. 1, 2025)

"Our Social Principles are rooted in the gospel imperative to love our neighbor," Bishop Trimble said. "We're expected to be good stewards of our voice and vote."

Christians have a duty to use their votes to safeguard their fellow citizens from those in power imposing their will on others, the bishop said.

"It's critical that the prophetic voice of Christians enables those of conviction to hold those in power accountable for their actions," he said. "We're bearers of a prophetic call to advocate for the marginalized even as we celebrate the separation of church and state."

Bishop Trimble also stressed that the American principle of church-state separation isn't "a locked door."

"It's a dance between those who advocate and those who decide," Bishop Trimble said. "Advancing the common good (through voting) is truly a miracle."

Democracy at risk

In response to Ms. Hong's question, Rev. McBroom said the "lay of the land" in the 2024 US election is that the "breakdown of democracy" is at risk.

"If we don't vote, if we don't participate civically, we water down our witness in the public square," he said. "Jesus' miracles took place in public so that all could see the manifestation of God's kingdom."

Bishop Trimble added, "We're concerned about protecting the vulnerable, the marginalized, the poor, but we're also concerned about electing persons who care about (issues like) creation, restorative justice, a living wage, things that create equity and dignity for all persons.

"Voting creates the kind of society we want to live in," the bishop said.

Ms. Hong noted United Methodists and other US citizens express trepidation and fear about the coming election because of the deep political polarization existing today.

"How can United Methodists approach the election with a sense of hope and opportunity?" she asked.

Bishop Trimble replied that on the day after the Nov. 5 election, "God will still be God and the church will still be needed. Our work will continue regardless of who is elected, but we should invest our votes in what is important to us."

He then cited several principles recently brought up by the Council of Bishops and other church leaders:

  • Denounce political violence.
  • Love our neighbors and our "enemies."
  • Model the kind of society in which we want to live.
  • Recognize that no elected person is responsible for our souls' salvation, but has a lot to do with our quality of life.
  • Respect citizens' rights to have safe elections and live in a safe society.

"As Desmond Tutu said, we're to be ambassadors of peace and harbingers of hope and collaboration," Bishop Trimble said.

Rev. McBroom agreed with the bishop's description, adding, "if a particular candidate isn't elected, there's still work to be done." He said that he has volunteered as an election judge in his local voting precinct.

"That's one way we can engage and keep our heads in this chaotic time: being a presence, allowing the spirit of Christ to be made evident where we go," he said.

Shortage of poll workers

Rev. McBroom continued that National Public Radio reported recently about a nationwide shortage of poll workers, which gives United Methodists and all Christians a way to be part of the democratic process. He also noted that volunteering as poll observers, poll chaplains and poll drivers for those "differently abled" could be helpful as well.

"A church in North Carolina plans a 'watch night' service on Monday night before the election with prayers and songs," Rev. McBroom said. "Prayer meetings make a difference."

Rev. McBroom recommended that United Methodist congregations also can use the election toolkit prepared by Church and Society. The kit includes scriptures, sermon starters, music resources and quotes and poems about the importance of civic engagement.

Webinar participants were invited to post questions for the panelists. These included:

  • What are your reflections on the dangers of Christian nationalism?
  • What can churches do and say that won't risk their tax-exempt status, which forbids partisan politicking?
  • How can churches encourage children to become future voters?

Bishop Trimble described Christian nationalism as "an oxymoron."

"Love and hate can't exist in the same space," the bishop said. "Christian nationalism denies our gift of diversity, the opportunity to accept people of various cultures for their creative selves. If it's not inclusive, that's contrary to the intent of the Constitution.

Rev. McBroom said churches' political activity must be issue-based, not endorse candidates. Bishop Trimble suggested churches hold candidate forums to allow those running for public office to introduce themselves to voters, but not to endorse any candidate.

As for encouraging youngsters to become voters, Rev. McBroom suggested that "experience is the best teacher."

"Take a child to the polls with you," he said. "Educators can set up mock elections in their classrooms to get kids in a mindset of voting. Taking action now will impact children down the road."

Staying spiritually grounded

Before taking questions from webinar participants, Ms. Hong asked how United Methodists can stay spiritually grounded and committed to voting during this troubled election season.

Bishop Trimble encouraged viewers to be a "non-anxious presence" in both church and community as the election neared. He suggested congregations plan services of prayer and support, but also allow space for lament and grieving disappointments from election results.

Rev. McBroom cited abolitionist and women's rights advocate Sojourner Truth, a lay Methodist preacher in the 19th century.

"She said, 'If you want me to get out of the world, you had better get the women voting, because I can't leave until we do'," McBroom quoted. "Our disposition must be that we're committed to the work of justice and peace throughout our lives. We committed to it in our baptismal vows, to renounce all evil and oppression.

"No matter who is in the White House or in Congress there will always be a duty for us to be engaged in this work," he said.

Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011 as a media channel for news and views by and for marginalized and underserved United Methodists.