As Election Day approaches, we believe that, as faith leaders, we have a responsibility to help prepare our communities for the possibility of a contested election and the social unrest that may follow in its wake. We invite our brother priests and deacons to use the time between now and Election Day to address people’s anxiety and tension by cultivating our commitment to the common good, respect for individual conscience, belief in the promise of nonviolence, and trust in the democratic process. We have two Sundays between now and Election Day and we encourage one another to incorporate messages in our homilies, the prayers of the faithful, and during announcements at Mass that inspire our communities to protect one another’s right to vote without impediment or intimidation, to resist rhetoric that seeks to sow division and confusion, and to safeguard the integrity of the process.

The gospel for the Sunday before Election Day is taken from the Sermon on the Mount. The message there is rich in its implications for how we should approach this election and what should guide our actions as we vote and await the results. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” In these days of uncertainty and tension, may we embrace that vocation and practice that peace which is rooted in justice.

To join us in this commitment, we invite you to add your name below.

Sincerely,

Rev. Joe Nangle, ofm
Rev. Bob Cushing
Rev. Rocco Puopolo, s.x.
Rev. Fred Thelen
Rev. John Heagle