Standing Up for Democracy
A diverse group of Christian leaders are rallying to uphold democratic principles, including Dean Randy Hollerith, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and Canon Missioner Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.
In a statement on Christian Faith and Democracy shepherded by Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice, more than 200 Christian leaders are calling on their fellow Americans to say no to lies, political violence and efforts to suppress the vote.
In recent years, in the United States and around the world, the Christian faith has been distorted and leveraged in defense of authoritarian leaders who seek to erode freedoms essential to a thriving democracy. Some Christians enthusiastically praise dictatorial leaders and regimes. Some have willingly accepted or even participated in political violence. On January 6, 2021, the will of the American people and the peaceful transfer of power came under direct attack during a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In a profound distortion of the faith, some who rioted on the Capitol steps and stormed into the congressional chamber did so in the name of Jesus Christ.
We write in a moment of fierce urgency, as the people of God animated by faith, hope, and love. It is in this spirit that we reaffirm Christian support for democracy and invite all Christians and people of moral conscience to do the same.
In the face of these challenges, we ask our fellow Christians to join us in affirming and defending these truths.
- LEARN MORE: The Cathedral’s A Better Way initiative
- LISTEN: Georgetown University’s Jim Wallis on the threat of Christian Nationalism
The statement — which you are invited to sign yourself — calls for the protection of human dignity, to stand for truth, to love the strangers and enemies among us, to prioritize the collective good, to stand against voter intimidation, to reject attempts to limit civic participation, and to resist the dangerous allure of political violence.
This is a kairos time, to use biblical language– a moment that can change time, altering events for decades, even generations to come. This electoral season, each one of us must stand for democracy’s future. We must resist cynicism, apathy, and fear; withdrawing from the electoral process only risks consolidating power in the hands of those who would abuse it. We cannot transform democracy unless we save it.
As Christians, we are people of hope. The resurrection of Jesus Christ powerfully attests that life overcomes death, and that what is to come is far better than what is; “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Pressing forward with confidence in God’s sustaining care, we call on all Christians and people of good will to work together to reawaken democratic spirit and improve American democracy.