Photograph by Phil Hearing via Unsplash

Every four years, we are told that “this is the most important election of our lifetime.” But this year truly feels different. Only 24 percent of Republicans, 20 percent of Democrats, and 19 percent of independents believe that “democracy in the U.S. is strong enough to withstand the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, no matter who wins,” according to a recent AP-NORC poll. This lack of faith in the very fabric of our political system is concerning, especially considering that democracies work best when people participate – when people believe. The recent release of 2023 FBI hate crimes statistics further illustrates the moment we are in. Bias incidents against minority faith communities hit an all-time high this past year, with Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh Americans experiencing the brunt of incidents and attacks. Finally, the relationship between far-right politicians and white Christian nationalists is stronger than it has been in decades.

Members of the U.S. Congress now openly identify as Christian nationalist; just last week, vice presidential candidate and sitting U.S. Senator JD Vance spoke at an event hosted by New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) leader Lance Wallnau, who openly refers to Democrats as “demons” and “witches.” The NAR preaches the “7 Mountains” theology which references seven areas of public life “good Christians” must establish dominion over to further Christian supremacy and hegemony. NAR leaders view former President Trump as central to this goal, referring to him as “divinely anointed” and comparing him to Kings David and Solomon. Mere adherence to this ideology, or even the notion that “God intended for the U.S. to be a nation for Christians of European descent,” is correlated with increased support for political violence. A recent PRRI/Brookings poll found that adherents of Christian nationalism are seven times more likely than those who reject the ideology to support the idea that “Because things have gotten so off-track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.” The increasingly intertwined relationship between far-right politicians and Christian nationalist movements creates a permission structure for adherents to act on xenophobic and extremist beliefs.

It is our moral obligation as people of faith to rebuke this harmful ideology, gather in solidarity with communities who are at heightened risk of political and hate-based violence, and lead with a positive vision of what our democracy can be. The 2024 presidential election has the potential to be a turning point, or a moment of confluence, for Americans. And while the outcome of this election will significantly impact the coming months and years, our actions over the coming months will similarly continue to reverberate into the future.

The late Representative John Lewis famously referred to voting as an almost sacred right. The deeper meaning of his message was lost on me for many years, but his words have taken on new meaning in this moment where faith in our democracy and in one another feels like the only way forward. Voting is a practice, a prayer for the direction of our nation. It is an action we ultimately take as individuals, but we do so surrounded by community. And it requires our belief that our system will work. Belief that our values will prevail. Belief that our country and our world can be better.

Our faith and our democracy are built on hope and trust.

While we do not know the results of this year’s election, we can prepare ourselves and our communities for this moment and the months ahead. As faith leaders, we have the unique opportunity to nourish spirits as we pursue a more just world.

So I share three invitations with you, which I shared with clergy and organizers from across the country in Montgomery, AL, during the Interfaith Countering Hate Summit, in the hope that leaning into this time of challenge and frayed relationships can serve as a catalyst for stronger communities and a path forward, defined by collective hope and built through a vision for our nation that we are actualizing at the local level.

First, I invite you to reach out and show up. We know that members of our community are feeling isolated and scared, with some facing a heightened risk of hate. We also know that clergy, showing up with collars or stoles, play a crucial role in disrupting hate and rebuilding trust. Reach out to the leaders of your local synagogue, masjid, or gurdwara and let them know that you are thinking of them and prepared to show up. Volunteer to serve as a poll chaplain, and greet community members at the ballot box.

Second, develop networks of clergy across denominations and traditions to share information, virtually and from the pulpit. We know that social media continues to be a hub of mis- and disinformation, and clergy continue to be trusted messengers across political ideology. Clergy can speak uniquely to the communities they serve and identify disinformation that may be proliferating locally to fellow faith leaders. Clergy can also share accurate information on what to expect in the coming months, especially around election administration. Remind congregants to check their registration and guide them to nonpartisan resources from your local elections office so folks can know what to expect in the days following election night.

Third, come up with a plan with fellow faith leaders. Regardless of election outcomes, the weight of this moment will continue to impact the everyday lives of community members. By discussing how our communities can show up for one another and preparing for different outcomes, we can be ready to rise and meet this moment.