Pew Research Center Chart
Losing Influence
Deeply divided Americans – including United Methodists, judging by the decisions made by delegates to the 2016 legislative General Conference – hold divided expectations of the nation's future as President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to take office.
According to a Pew Research Center study published Jan. 19, some 64 percent of survey respondents expect wealthy people to gain influence in Washington, while a mere 8 percent think rich people will lose influence. In addition, more than half of those surveyed think that three groups – white people (51 percent), men (51 percent) and conservative Christians (52 percent) – will gain influence in Trump’s administration, according to the Pew study.
In contrast, results of the 1,502 people polled Jan. 4-9 by Pew Research Center show that majorities think Hispanics (56%), poor people (55%) and LGBTQ people (54%) will lose political clout in the nation’s capital. Also expected to lose influence, according to the Pew study respondents, will be black people (48 percent) and women (46 percent).
During the past month, United Methodist Insight has conducted its own unscientific, self-selected straw poll about readers’ attitudes and actions in a bitterly divided United States, as shown by the presidential campaign. In particular, Insight focused its questions on the upsurge of violence, vandalism and authenticated hate crimes after the presidential election, when a reported 900-plus such incidents were tallied by law enforcement. Most documented threats and bullying involved racially motivated acts against people of color, although several also included religious and gender bias against Muslims, Jews, women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
In addition, Insight’s straw poll attempted to see if participants’ churches were willing to be listed publicly as places of safety and/or assistance for people who were threatened, harassed or attacked. Those who gave contact information form the basis of our new Love & Justice Directory. Instructions for joining the directory are listed on its page.
Because of the small number of responses, Insight’s survey has no statistical value as a snapshot of American United Methodists. However, as an expression of deeply held beliefs, the survey offers a glimpse into the fears and hopes of United Methodists committed to justice-seeking and building community in American society. Survey questions and excerpts from responses follow.
Question: What is your United Methodist congregation doing to stand up to hate in your community?
“Becoming a Sanctuary Congregation. Using 2017 to focus on racial righteousness and anti-racism work; building affordable housing for the most marginalized; continuing our 3-decade commitment to full LGBTQ inclusion in our church.
“I am sure there is hate in our town, but hate is not the most outstanding characteristic of our town. Our UMC is involved in every aspect of our town. We partner with a school providing tutoring, lunch buddies, school supplies, and food backpacks for children who do not have adequate overnight and weekend food available. We provide whatever is needed. Also one of our congregations provides these same activities for the Success Academy (a school for students who cannot function in regular classroom, usually discipline/ truancy). Also birthday parties are provided since these children are not accustomed to things we all take for granted. Our church also participates in food bank, provides AA etc.; our church makes our facilities available to the community. We have a ministry of health care needs such as wheelchairs, walkers etc. available to anyone who needs them. These are just a few of the things we do within n our community. … This does not give the answer you want, but I think you serve by reaching out.”
“In January we are starting a program that highlights the ‘open doors’ [part of The United Methodist Church’s marketing slogan “Open minds, open hearts, open doors]. We are a downtown church that has very limited diversity. We would like to focus both on people in our community as well as sponsoring those who are immigrants.”
“I have free-ranged myself from a specific UM congregation. Am looking at several. Any that I would affiliate with will have to be intentional and public in its welcome of ‘the stranger’ - inclusive of all in its words and actions.”
“Preaching love and the golden rule.”
“Interfaith partnerships in Habitat for Humanity home build. Interfaith witness at local Muslim center. Declared Reconciling focus, rainbow on front sign. Letters to the editor against violence, hate-crimes and gun control. Group responding to election anxiety meeting in the building.”
“Posting banner outside the church, hosting multi-faith gathering, housing homeless, collecting food.”
“Hosts economic injustice study, hosted gun registration workshops, inclusive worship and outreach.”
“We are preaching and publicly proclaiming a message of resistance to hatred, exclusion, and discrimination.”
“Working with IndyCAN, inter-racial, inter-faith coalition for justice to lower-income residents in Indianapolis and meeting with interfaith groups to accept all faith groups to prevent hate.”
“In cooperation with other local congregations, we began ‘community conversations on racism’ -- we facilitate book discussions and films to expose and explore white privilege.”
“We are a Reconciling congregation seeking to transform our church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. We feed the hungry, lend a hand to those with limited resources, including children, unwed mothers, seniors, and those with disabilities through hands-on outreach. We offer education and opportunities for personal advocacy on pertinent social justice issues, such as prison reform.”
Question: Please describe your outreach to hate crime victims.
“We are known as a community that is a safe and welcoming place. We have not been called upon, but are prepared to provide sanctuary, counseling, and other assistance to people of color, immigrants, Muslims, and others who might come knocking at our doors.”
“We have a weekly prayer group for any expressed needs, but we have not addressed hate crimes, harassment or bullying directly. We have a welcoming statement for all sexual orientations on our website.”
“We have compassionate listeners and we provide food, clothing vouchers and financial assistance.”
“We have worked directly with the Anti Bully Squad (see Facebook group, "I will Step in and Speak out against Bullying") to provide community education.”
Question: What message of hope would you give to those who are feeling threatened by attitudes of prejudice and hatred reflected in recent violent acts?
“You are beyond beloved, and we stand with you.”
“An expression of hope is being very present in our community and available.”
“In the UMC we have made the decision to be people who live out "Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors." We MUST remember who we are.”
“Don't let someone else define you.”
“No matter what people say or do, you are a child of God, of sacred worth, and we stand with you against hate.”
“Be Kind.”
“We stand with you against hate and discrimination in the spirit of God's love. You are welcome in our sanctuary.”
“They need to stop listening to the biased news and start reading the Bible and following their heart. People are afraid and the church should support their fears, but not buy into the media blitz of anger and hatred. When is our UMC going to wake up and truly accept everyone?”
“God is with you and there are many people around you to are ready to stand with you in solidarity, love, and resistance.”
“Listening to leaders of faith groups beyond Christianity. Partial support of a Syrian refugee family living in Indianapolis.”
“You have been created exactly as you need to be. If anyone makes you feel less than totally loved and accepted, please remember that you are loved.”
“You do not have to go through this alone.”
“Waterloo UMC strives to be an embracing community welcoming all. God loves you and so do we! Welcome to ALL Who hope for a better world & who have lost hope: believers & seekers, conventional Christians & questioning skeptics, women, men, youth, & children, [people] of all sexual orientations & gender identities, of all races & cultures, of all income levels, of all social classes, of all physical & mental abilities. Come as You Are...You Are Welcome!”
“It takes a village - do not be afraid - we are all in this together.”
A veteran journalist and certified spiritual director, Cynthia B. Astle serves as founder and editor of United Methodists Insight.