This is a pivotal moment for our nation, and as people of faith and U.S. citizens, we must continue to be civic disciples by responding with responsibility for our actions. Because these actions certainly impact the United States, but have ripple effects across the world.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) upholds principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect, especially in times of division and uncertainty. We decry any form of political violence and reject dishonesty and deception as acceptable norms. We affirm the democratic process, where each person’s dignity is respected, and every vote is counted fairly. We denounce all attempts to disenfranchise, intimidate, or divide communities through fear or misinformation. Our faith calls us to speak against unjust voting barriers and to support policies that promote transparency, equity, and full participation.
As we continue to process the results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness reaffirms our commitment to democracy, justice, and the common good. Elections can be challenging, yet we remain steadfast in our conviction that each vote and every voice is sacred, valued, and essential in shaping our collective future.
In reflecting on voter concerns, we ask—what did voters hope to achieve? According to exit polls, two-thirds of voters were disappointed with the state of the economy, calling it poor. Nearly sixty percent of voters prioritized qualities like the ability to lead or bring about needed change in a president.
Eleven percent of those surveyed selected immigration as their top concern, with over half supporting a path to legal status for undocumented people living in the United States. Only thirty-nine percent of people surveyed felt that undocumented individuals should be deported to their country of origin. While exit polls didn't capture opinions on issues like health care, affordable housing, or tax cuts for the wealthy, other sources tell us these issues remain vital. Voters in several states approved ballot measures to increase public school funding, and largely opposed school privatization. States also passed ballot measures affirming protecting women’s rights and measures that support LGBTQIA individuals.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) recognizes that these issues matter to Americans, but their impact is not limited to the United States. US politics impacts every country around the globe and especially our international partners. We affirm their concerns and share the multi-layered concerns they have expressed as they digest the news of the recent election.
Now is the time to do what we have always done, walk together, bridge divides, welcome the stranger, offer shelter to the unhoused, free the imprisoned, and offer refuge to those in danger while holding fast to the belief that in all things we belong to God.
We must continue to be civic disciples by responding to the magnitude of the moment, by taking responsibility for our actions and continue to be faithful civic disciples. Regardless of who we voted for now is the time for us as a denomination and as a country to take responsibility for our collective action. We cast our vote, and now it is time to be present in halls of power where decisions are made that impact our communities. We must not lose heart or celebrate abundantly. We must continue to be present at school board meetings, town hall discussions, write to legislators, and hold the new administration to their promise to protect and tend to the best interest of the common good.
We encourage all communities to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peace, advocating for an electoral process that honors each individual and strengthens our unity. On this day and in the days ahead, we remain committed to the ongoing work of building a just society, empowered by the love of Jesus Christ and grounded in compassion, peace, and justice.
Together, we stand, confident that, with God’s guidance, we are building a world marked by integrity, equity, justice, and hope.
“and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because God has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.””
–Luke 4:17-19
PCUSA General Assembly Policy Statements Referenced:
- Lift Every Voice: Democracy, Voting Rights, and Election Reform (2022): https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/lift-every-voice-democracy-voting-rights-and-elect/
- Declaration on Where We Stand Regarding Concerns About Direction Towards Autocracy That This Country Is Taking (2018)” https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3000384?fbclid=IwY2xjawGYjDJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdTzQ4vYHqyinWm2BKYLpye_GudwDQTRslcWfigJ-ZzMT_2PlOGbtXfUWA_aem_j7S12IsNWHo9riIFbef6Dw