Churches for Democracy Pledge
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36–40 NIV
“The role of government is to seek justice for all people and to uphold the common good. But justice cannot be achieved when the democratic process is not just and fair for all.”
Wisconsin Council of Churches Statement on Economic Justice (2)
At this time when democracy in the United States is precarious, we come together as local Christian congregations across America to pledge our commitment to democracy. We stand up together to say what we believe both as those who love the Lord, and love America enough to defend it. As local congregations, we practice democracy in our own congregations through parish councils, vestries, sessions, governing boards, councils of elders, and other forms of decision-making. We are practiced in democracy. As the state of our democracy is in peril, we invite Churches across the United States and across the political spectrum to join in this pledge for democracy:
We believe in the power of civic participation. Our Scriptures remind us of our stewardship of Creation (3), and encourage us to seek the welfare of the communities we inhabit.(4) We will provide information to all our members about their rights and responsibilities as voters, how to register, and other ways they can participate in the democratic process.
We believe that a strong and vibrant country requires free and fair elections. Effective policymaking requires the participation of members of the community in the decisions that affect them. We will publicly oppose efforts that prevent or create obstacles to eligible voters casting their ballots.
We believe in abundant life, now and in the life to come.(5)Working for the common good in a healthy democracy promotes that abundance. Democracy must serve the good of all, rather than the desires of a powerful few who stand to benefit in material terms from the destructive exploitation of people and the earth.(6) Threats to free and democratic elections destabilize the oikos, the society we share.(7) If there are attempts to prevent the counting of votes or the seating of duly elected candidates after the election, we will publicly oppose those efforts. If there are attempts to intimidate or jail journalists, we will publicly oppose those efforts.
We believe that we the people should choose our leaders. A system where leaders can lord their power over their constituents, without fear of electoral or judicial consequences, runs contrary to an ethic of public service.(8) As the Church, we will oppose any measures that create obstacles—including national anti-voter efforts, intimidation by armed law enforcement, federal takeover of elections, or any legislative, executive, or administrative actions that keep people from voting or keep trusted election officials from counting all eligible ballots.
We insist the will of the people prevail and will oppose attempts to overturn results or refuse to seat democratically elected candidates. As people of faith, we will unite with other organizations to stand in defense of free and democratic elections.
*An Important Note About Process: Please check your own church’s decision-making process! Do you need to take this to your administrative board or another leader before signing on as a church? We encourage you to share this pledge with your congregation. You may choose to bring it through official channels and hold votes. You might also include it in your worship setting through a one-page version to insert in the bulletin or an activity at fellowship hour. Talk about your denomination's social statements around democracy. Download the poster-sized version to create an activity where individuals can sign on. Our goal is to create conversation and engagement from as many people as possible. If you are engaging in this work but can’t sign on publicly as a church yet, let us know by filling out the form and checking the box that indicates this. Individuals are invited to sign on here.
Adapted from https://www.businessfordemocracypledge.org/national-pledge
Genesis 1:28, 2:15
Jeremiah 29:7
John 10:10
https://www.wichurches.org/s/EnvironmentalJustice-Statement1207.pdf
Oikos, the Greek word for “household,”is the common root of “ecology,” “economy,” and “ecumenism.” It refers to the basic unit of society.
Matthew 20:25-26
