news article
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: Election Day
November 4, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, November 4 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez.
“Look not only to your interests but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Dear siblings in Christ,
Tomorrow, millions of US citizens will participate in the most foundational exercise of the democratic process – voting.
Voting is a solemn duty. As the late civil rights leader John Lewis said, “To vote is precious. It is almost sacred.” Reflecting on the importance of voting, Rev. Raphael Warnock once said that our vote is “kind of a prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children.”
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, shared some thoughts on voting. On October 6, 1774, he wrote in his journal, “Vote without fee or reward – meaning without any form of bribe or personal gain. Vote for the candidate you judge to be most worthy. Avoid engaging in any form of slander against those they did not support. Avoid becoming overly passionate or partisan in a way that could harm their spirituality.”
Through our Social Principles, we are encouraged as United Methodists to engage in civic life and vote as part of our faithful response to social issues rooted in our shared commitment to justice, peace, and the common good.
As we exercise our right to vote, I call all of us into a spirit of prayer, discernment, action, and unity.
Pray for wisdom in your decisions, the candidates running for office, and our nation so we may move forward peacefully, no matter the outcome. (Proverbs 3:5-6 | Matthew 5:9 | Romans 12:18 | 1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Discern how you will vote, understanding that, as followers of Jesus Christ, our beliefs and values must inform our everyday decisions. Remember God’s call to promote justice, show compassion, and humbly serve others. It is also important to prioritize Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We need to consider how our choices will benefit/impact not only ourselves, but our neighbors – especially the most vulnerable, marginalized and those whose voices tend to be ignored. (Micah 6:8 | Matthew 22:39 | Philippians 2:4)
Act. When informed by the gospel’s witness, voting is an act of faith and discipleship. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our faith in all areas of life, including civic participation. In our democracy, voting gives all citizens a voice in matters important to them. While some people might be led to believe that their vote makes no difference, when joined with the voices of others, it helps shape the direction of our government and communal life. (Matthew 7:21 | James 2:26 | Galatians 5:6)
Unite. Sadly, this election cycle has been dominated by disturbing and questionable rhetoric and tactics, and the spread of lies and misinformation, all meant to erode the trust in the electoral process and promote fear, division, hate, and violence in our communities. Unfortunately, the church has not been exempted from the effects of these practices. In times like this, as the people of God, we must remember that we are called to a ministry of peacemaking and reconciliation. Our actions, words, and hearts must reflect Christ’s love and justice, and like Jesus, we should honor the dignity and sacred worth of every person, bridge divides, and be agents of healing in our communities. Consider this when engaging in conversations in church, at home, at work, with neighbors, and when posting on social media platforms. May our words and actions be a refreshing and counter-cultural wind of hope for all we interact with in the coming weeks and months. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21 | Ephesians 4:3)
Our nation and the world desperately need to experience God's healing love. God’s love is naturally experienced through followers of Jesus Christ who embody and share faith, love, mercy, and justice in their everyday lives. Be that person.
In a society, a world filled with hate and violence, be a peacemaker.
In a society, a world filled with hurt and pain, be a healer.
In a society, a world filled with divisions, be a uniter.
In a society, a world filled with individualism and exclusion, be a community builder.
In a society or world filled with injustice, be a justice seeker.
In a society, a world filled with sadness, be a joy giver.
In a society, a world filled with hopelessness, be and boldly share Christ’s hope.
I pray on Election Day and the days that follow, we always humbly live the gospel and embody God’s love with our neighbors in all places. In doing so, we build the beloved community of the Risen Christ.
May God's love grant us peace and protect our hearts. May the grace of Christ strengthen our faith and hope. May the Holy Spirit's presence and power guide our daily steps.
Together in the journey,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area