Elections Approaching: What to Do?

Thanks to Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota director (and colleague!) Tammy Walhof, for putting together this great list of resources leaders can employ either before – or in a couple of cases, after – November 5: address the election, division, and appropriated Christian theology:

Walhof writes:

‘I wanted… to draw your attention to three important resource sets for congregations…:

  • Election Materials – The ELCA’s State Public Policy Offices are in the process of creating and distributing state-specific information through a Faith+Elections initiative. [Lutheran Advocacy – MN] has created a number of beautiful flyers, posters, postcards, and stickers for synods and congregations to use. They include specific information about voter rights, voter eligibility, poll worker eligibility, and how to sign up to help at the polls or register to vote. Also included, are quotes from the [ELCA’s] Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement (in the form of posters or flyers). They are available as a download at this link.
    • [NOTE: These identify specifically as Lutheran, but might inspire comparable materials in other denominations.]
  • Graceful Conversations: The workshop that [Tammy Walhof developed over the past 10 years] on Graceful Engagement, now expanded with the help of Emily Meyer (Director, Ministry Lab) and turned into a 5 session workshop series with videos, worksheets, and a facilitator guide. [The series] helps us develop skills to make Graceful Conversation and Action part of our core being. This series does not negate the value of other trainings like that offered by Braver Angels. However, it is geared specifically to congregations through a faith lens, and is meant to have a shelf life far beyond our current contentious election cycle. The flyer for that series is attached, and both the flyer and series can be accessed… at this link [OR directly from The Ministry Lab, here.]
  • Reclaiming Bonhoeffer: Unfortunately, Bonhoeffer’s teaching, writing, and faithful living is being twisted and distorted by people seeking to promote Christian Nationalism. In fact, a film created by individuals and organizations with very strong Christian Nationalism ties is scheduled to be released soon… [M]any of these distortions [are already running rampant in] some communities and congregations, [particularly in Pennsylvania]. So, LAMPa (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania) has worked with the Bonhoeffer Institute to create a multi-session Bonhoeffer Curriculum at this link... A donation of $200 is suggested. 

This election season is truly contentious. Our congregations can become spaces to relieve tension and perhaps even building back some understanding and compassion across the divides.

Please let us know if The Ministry Lab can support you in this important work.