[Diocese of Western Massachusetts] Bishop Doug Fisher has issued the following statement to the faithful regarding the presidential election. This follows the statement made by the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church earlier this morning. The full text of Bishop Fisher’s statement follows below.

For people of faith, the greater reality is God’s love. Our congregations have provided the space and silence for intense prayer leading up to this election. Today we are waking to a new reality as a nation with a new President-elect. Now, our congregations must be places where political opponents can worship together in peace. I acknowledge the weight of this pastoral ministry for the faithful priests who shepherd our congregations. I am praying with you and for you as your sanctuaries offer true sanctuary from the din and degradation of this election cycle.

As a person of faith, I look to Scripture today for wisdom. The prophet Isaiah encouraged the Israelites to avoid ugliness and return to purpose.

If you remove the yoke from among you,
    the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be like the noonday (Isaiah 58:9b-10).

We are part of a movement that transcends election results. We are followers of Jesus Christ and as such we are called to treat one another with the love that enfolds us at every moment in human history. We are about God’s mission of mercy, compassion and hope. We must uphold the dignity of every human person; recommitting ourselves to the work of justice and to an incarnational faith which recognizes suffering and the very real wounds of the crucified among us. We need to return to purpose as we double-down on our prayer. If we do this, the prophet tells us we will be instruments of the peace for which we long.

Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
    you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
    the restorer of streets to live in (Isaiah 58:12).

God is near. Jesus is real. The Spirit breathes in us. Double-down on prayer for this nation and for the grace to see the face of God in the other. Let us together, do the work God has given us to do.

+Doug

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
IX Bishop of Western Massachusetts