Friends in Christ,
We are currently in the midst of a Federal Election Campaign. As we all discern the future of Canada through the decisions we will be making, it is important for us to find a way to be prophetic and pastoral in this time.
There are some who would claim that churches should simply be quiet during this time. Raising our voices about the kind of country we believe God calls us to build is entirely appropriate in times like these. We must also do so with care and compassion. Those whose lives are connected to the church, those whose souls we seek to journey with, come with a variety of political views.
Political versus Partisan
While political views on issues are normal and expected when we share thoughts on how to make the world more aligned with God’s kingdom dream, “on Earth as it is in Heaven”, partisanship can result in the loss of a church’s charitable status. Supporting or opposing a specific candidate or party is something that communities of faith should never do. Individuals (ministry personnel, staff, lay leaders) can share their partisanship outside of the church context, but like all things shared, we should consider the impact it may have on those in our midst and take care to not undermine the pastoral relationship with the community of faith.
Candidates at Church
It is also partisan to invite some candidates and not others to church events. Candidates may choose to attend events of their own accord, but unless the church invites all the candidates in their constituency to attend, they should avoid inviting specific people. If candidates come to church on a Sunday or greet people outside the church, this is not uncommon. In the case of debates organized by the community of faith, it can be determined that only parties represented in the House of Commons be invited for reasons of practicality, but erring on the side of caution is always preferable.
Supporting Diversity of Thought
Our world is suffering from a lack of civil discourse and respectful debate. It is important for us to find ways to be sanctuaries from this trend. It means that we must be comfortable with a diversity of views and perspectives. In many respects, our churches may be some of the last remaining places where diversity persists as many public spaces are creating common thought “bubbles”. Social media and its algorithms make this even more powerful causing us to gravitate to groups that think and behave as we do at the expense of diversity. Be aware of this.
Misinformation
It is easy to see things we agree with and decide to share it with others without checking to see if the information is accurate. Be careful about what you share on social media or verbally with friends and family. It is unfortunate that we need to be suspicious of sources of information, but it is a good practice to verify. A recent claim that the House of Commons was attempting to remove the charitable status of churches, mosques and synagogues is a good example of this kind of misinformation.
The General Council of the United Church has produced some useful material regarding the current Federal Election campaign. You can find it here.
Continue to pray for those who have put their names forward in a desire to serve the public and to make a better world as they see it. It is hard work and renders people vulnerable to public attack and criticism, but it is a key function of our democracy. Democratic principles are more important than ever in our current world context.
Blessings as you consider all these things in the weeks ahead.
Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly
Regional Executive Minister
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