My Brothers and Sisters,

Like many of you, I came into the office this morning very tired from watching election coverage into the wee hours of the morning. I finally had to make myself go to bed a little after 1:00 a.m. and before a winner had been declared. Still my sleep was restless. I know it was for many of you as well. For some, it was because you were celebrating. For others, it was because you were grieving.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to exercise what we view as our sacred right as Americans. We expressed our beliefs, our values, and our aspirations for our country through our votes. The people have spoken, and, therefore, the system worked as it was designed. Many are elated with the result. Many are both saddened and honestly frightened by the result.

The pundits, the pollsters, and the leaderships in both major parties will be working for a long time to determine how this election played out in the way that it did. It seems to have confounded everyone, except perhaps the President-elect. While I would never claim to know more than those who are far more intelligent and experienced than I, one thing seems clear to me that may shed some light on the way so many people feel this morning: it seems as though every demographic within the electorate is angry. Those within every subgroup feel that, for one reason or another, their voice is not being heard, that they are not being taken seriously, or that they fear they will be persecuted for what they believe or the way that they live.

If I am right, then I would venture a guess that no matter who would be taking the oath of office on January 20, the country would still be as divided as it was this morning. Many people would still be rejoicing today. Many would still be in mourning.

All of this tells me that we as Christ-followers have a great responsibility and an immense challenge before us. We are where we are today because we are not listening to each other. Instead, we are yelling over one another and blaming one another for all of our problems that are far too complex to assign responsibility to one person or group. We do not trust one another. We fear one another. We fear what will become of us because of what someone else will say or do, or how they will vote. And instead of finding a safe space to openly share our fears with each other in the hope of finding common ground, we see each other as opponents to be defeated, and we seek to outdo each other at the ballot box.

If we are to heal and move forward as a united people, then we must begin to listen to each other, and we must try to understand one another. Since this difficult work has to start somewhere, then let’s start with our community of faith. Let the church be a safe space for us to share our fears, our doubts, our griefs, and, yes, our joys and celebrations. Let the church be a safe place for open dialogue about difficult issues. But let it be a place that enables and encourages us, in spite of our disagreements, to remain in Christian fellowship with one another.

The church doors are open for those who need a place to offer prayers of praise and prayers of lament. My office is open for those who need a safe place to express their fears, to grieve, or to pray for guidance. I am available for lunches and coffee breaks for conversations that help us grow in our relationships and love of each other. I hope you are open too. Call on me. Call on each other. Listen. Love. That is how we maintain communion when we disagree.

In the face of the bombastic and divisive rhetoric from all factions that may continue to shape our national debate, it is incumbent upon me to preach that much more passionately the message that has not changed. Love God. Love your neighbors. Love one another as Christ commanded. That is the way that the world will know we are followers of the Risen Christ. For one thing did not change last night or this morning: it is still the Risen Christ who lives and reigns with the Creator God and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forevermore.

May God bless our leaders with the wisdom and guidance they need. May God continue to bless our community of faith, and may God draw us closer together in common purpose and vision.

With Love,

Matt