Presiding Bishop Curry at the 200th anniversary service of Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield, MA, in 2017. Photo: Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts

On September 16, 2020, Episcopalians who live in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts received a statement via email signed by The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher Bishop and a long list of diocesan leaders. The Diocese of Western Massachusetts is 50+ congregations and community-based ministries that stretch from the Berkshires to Worcester County. “The November election gives Americans a precious opportunity to support candidates and policies that will build up communities, protect public health, encourage racial and social justice, and restore the web of life,” the text begins. “We encourage every eligible voter in our diocese to ensure that they are registered and, if possible, to vote early (in person or by mail), thereby avoiding long lines at polling places.”

The call to vote faithfully included an invitation to volunteer from home with two non-partisan organizations working to register voters around the nation. Reclaim Our Vote is a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan voter outreach campaign organized by the Center for Common Ground of Virginia. Faith Climate Justice Voter Campaign, organized by Interfaith Power & Light, mobilizes people of faith to vote with climate and Creation in mind. “This election will set the course on climate change and other critical issues that are central to our faith. Many of us consider it the most significant election of our lifetime.”

The full text of the statement may be found on the diocesan website here.