Discern How We Can be of Witness
Feast of William Temple
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I have reiterated over the years that bishops are not pundits. Likewise I have strived not to speak in a partisan way, but only when theology, or the welfare of the flock, were at stake. However now is a different moment, requiring a more personal note. Winning is easier than losing, so I reckon that supporters of former President Trump can, in Christian charity, hear from the side of their defeated siblings.
In the wake of last week’s election I feel sadness for the land of my birth, as well as a sense of foreboding about what will come next. I believe many of you share these emotions. But we must, individually and together, do what Christians always do, namely discern how we can be witnesses in the landscape in which God puts us. For now, at least, these few points are clear:
- We should not impugn the motives of those whose political commitments are different than ours. And we will, when the time comes, pray, week by week, for President Trump, as our liturgy indicates.
- The words of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural ring in my mind. Remember that they were written while the Civil War was still being prosecuted.
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan ~ to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
We are very far from such a spirit at present, and must pray to the Lord to provide it to us. This may be of the greatest importance in the coming time. I am sure that ‘mediating institutions’ closer to the ground like the Church will be crucial in the considerable task of the renewal of civility, respect, and a spirit of community.
- But note Lincoln’s allusion to Scripture in his reference to the ‘widow and orphan.’ Wherever each of us may be politically, the imperative of Matthew 25 to care for the least, for the sojourner, for the helpless, is of the utmost importance. At the same time, we cannot now do this alone; it will require a closer ecumenical bond than we are accustomed to. We need the friendship of the Roman Catholic Church, of predominantly African American Churches, and others as well.
- The case for democracy, for a free press, the balance of powers, the right to dissent, the right to vote freely, etc, is unchanged. (In fact we are in the midst of a peaceful, democratic transfer of power!) Democracy is the worst kind of government except all others (Winston Churchill). This is because we humans as sinners need checks and limits on our passions, now more than ever. This theological defense (which I have offered before) does not ignore the failings and flaws of our political order, past and present. In this way, witnessing to these most American of principles entails witnessing also to the Gospel, as we may be called upon to relearn in the coming months.
Peace be with you all,
+GRS
