Whew. Well, as many predicted, the election results probably won’t be clear for a few days yet as states across the U.S. labor to count up record numbers of ballots. Not much is clear as of this writing. Both parties failed to get the clear, divisive outcome they’d hoped for, with pollsters across the country once again embarrassingly off in their predictions about strong Democratic support in key states like Ohio, Wisconsin and Florida. Early Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump made good on threats to declare a pre-emptive victory before all the votes had been tallied and call for an end to ongoing counts, citing baseless claims of fraud.
All this means that a pivotal election remains up in the air for the time being, as millions of votes — many of them mail-in and absentee — continue to be counted. The country is likely in for a stressful few days. Here’s how faith leaders responded to the long night. We’ll be updating throughout the day as more takes come in.
Dr. Esau McCaulley
Trilla Newbell
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isa 26:3).
"Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart"
— Trillia Newbell (@trillianewbell) November 3, 2020
Kyle J. Howard
If you belong to a privileged/empowered social group; telling those who belong to a group whose oppression will likely be compounded: “be at peace, God is Sovereign!” is toxic theopraxi. It’s insensitive, unkind, & apathetic.
Faithfulness would be to say “I mourn with you.”
— Kyle J. Howard (@KyleJamesHoward) November 3, 2020
Eugene Cho
A democracy is dependent on fair, safe, and accurate elections. Voting has stopped BUT vote counting is still ongoing and thus, every legitimate vote should be counted. This is not stealing. This is not partisan. Rather, this must be a shared commitment to that democracy.
— Eugene Cho (@EugeneCho) November 4, 2020
Alan Noble, author and professor
The kind of problems our society faces can not be absolved at the poll, and certainly not one election. We all would be wise to consider how we can cultivate the deep moral, spiritual, and structural changes that are necessary for life together.
— 𝐎. 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞 (@TheAlanNoble) November 4, 2020
Jeff Chu
Be gentle with yourselves and those around you today. Cook (or order!) something that delights you. Escape for a few minutes. Go for a long walk. Nap (we did not sleep well!). Send someone a postcard just because you love them. Talk about the weather. Take deep breaths.
— Jeff Chu 朱天慧 (@jeffchu) November 4, 2020
Ashlee Eiland
Reminders:
Show up for the oppressed + vulnerable. Your inherent worth is not an issue on the ballot. The call to love your neighbor has no asterisks attached. Justice + righteousness are foundations of His throne.
Election Day will come + go but of His reign there is no end.
— Ashlee Eiland (@Ashlee_Eiland) November 3, 2020
Tyler Burns
Hey family,
Emotions are not evil, even emotions about an election. They do not display a lack of faith in God. Those catchy memes ain’t Bible. Read the Psalms. You are a human being. Feel all the feelings. Sit in them. Then, take every last one of them to God
Have a good day!
— Tyler Burns (@burnsclan_) November 4, 2020
Brian Zahnd, author and pastor
Three words for you today:
"Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks."
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
"For here we have no enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."
Hebrews 12:28, 13:8, 13:14
— Brian Zahnd (@BrianZahnd) November 4, 2020
Jon Tyson
Of the greatness of HIS government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
(Isaiah 9:7)#kingdom#Jesus— Jon Tyson (@JonTyson) November 3, 2020
