Bishops of the Diocese of North Carolina Encourage All Those Eligible to Vote November 2

So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A number of North Carolina municipalities will hold local elections on Tuesday, November 2. We encourage all eligible voters to become informed on the issues and candidates and then exercise the crucial and sacred right of citizenship: go vote. Voting is one way those eligible to do so add their voices to the important conversations and decisions that sustain, enhance and protect our communities. In thinking about the issues on the ballot, we also encourage you to consider biblical imperatives to seek justice and love mercy as well as biblical priorities on protection for the most vulnerable members of our communities which include children, the poor, the sick as well as resident aliens and refugees, all of whom are the measure of the integrity of our communities.

Citizenship is a type of belonging and participating in a larger community – a community that gives our individual and particular lives more meaning, more dignity and more value. Citizenship exercises rights and enjoys privileges. Citizenship is always posited on the importance of protecting the wellbeing of the whole community.

In baptism, Christians are welcomed into the household of God and are assured of citizenship in the heavenly kingdom of God. We place hope in those heavenly precincts, and our faith demands we practice heavenly values in our earthly precincts.

With such biblical and theological imperatives in mind, we also call to your attention the current redistricting process. The changes to the districts and precincts where we vote will have implications for at least the next decade. It is our fervent hope and prayer that this process will be undertaken in a manner that secures fair representation for all of our siblings.

At the federal level, key legislation to secure equal and unfettered access to the polls and safeguard the inviolability of the ballot remains in limbo. For generations, people of faith have worked for and in support of federal voting rights protections. They are a cornerstone of a democratic process that encourages each of us to vote our conscience. We believe that local awareness and action are crucial for a world where justice rolls down like water.

Non-partisan information about upcoming elections and our elected leadership at our state and federal levels can be found here:

The North Carolina State Board of Elections

North Carolina General Assembly

North Carolina Congressional Delegation

Episcopal Public Policy Network Vote Faithfully Resources

As Paul wrote to the Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12: 2)We give thanks to God for your faithfulness, your prayers and your embodiment of Christian discipleship. We pray for God’s blessing upon our life, our labors and our country.

Yours faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman
Bishop, Diocese of North Carolina

The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple
Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of North Carolina