Election message: Western North Carolina Bishop José A. McLoughlin

Posted Nov 9, 2016

[Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“For there is a force of love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will never let us go.” – Julian of Norwich

As this new day dawns, I know there are a variety of emotions and responses to our country’s presidential election. Since early this morning, I have received communication from many in our diocese expressing their deeply held feelings and thoughts. For some, there is tremendous optimism and for others there is concern and anxiety about the future. What remains true today as it was yesterday, is that we are a divided nation in need of healing and reconciliation.

Last week in my pre-election letter, I held up one of the fundamental blessings we have as citizens of this country: the ability to democratically elect our leaders. This gift is one we honor by participating fully in the political process. Living in a democracy also means that we need to accept the results, even if they are not what we may have wanted.

What is more, while we are Americans, we are Christians first. The journey of faith means that we walk alongside all other disciples, no matter their political affiliation, proclaiming the love of God and sharing the light of Christ in a world that so desperately longs for the Good News. The many challenges that faced us Tuesday morning still exist today. We all, as the Church, have the tremendous responsibility to take our faith into the world and make known the unconditional love of God. There is work of healing, reconciliation, and serving neighbor still to be done. And, together, we will.

I ask you to pray for President-Elect Trump and his family and for Secretary Clinton and her family. I ask you to pray for all who stood for elected office and for all now entrusted to lead us. I ask you to continue praying for our nation.

Faithfully,

+José

The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin

VII Bishop of Western North Carolina


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