At the end of a dramatic, high-stakes election, several churches are helping counter the high anxiety by offering a quiet place, with snacks and maybe a massage in some places.
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware
Overview:
In New York, two legendary houses of worship will be open on Election Day, along with the National Cathedral in Washington. Various faiths, including Unitarians and Lutherans, are also holding open houses for respite.
Given the relentless attack ads, inescapable, 24-7 political news cycle and dire warnings that democracy itself is at stake in a tumultuous presidential race that’s essentially tied, it’s no wonder lots of people are stressed about the upcoming election.
As the whole world waits breathlessly, our bitterly polarized country will make history on Nov. 5 by sending either the first Black woman — or the first convicted felon — to the White House. And experts predict that, no matter if Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the White House, lawsuits, political chaos, and possibly violence, will follow.
Sensing the weight of the moment, and the exhaustion of the body politic, the nation’s faith communities will offer sanctuary on Election Day.
Churches across the country — including the prestigious Washington National Cathedral as well as the historic St. John the Divine Cathedral and the august Riverside Church, both in New York City — will open their doors before, during and after the vote.
Different churches will offer a range of Election Day services, from providing child care while adults vote to a massage chair to refreshments and snacks. Others will make space for overwhelmed voters to quietly relieve their apprehension about the country’s future through meditation or silent prayer.
Nearly all will offer the option of worship or simple words of encouragement, to help voters recognize one another’s humanity.
“Across the diocese, our people will vote in different ways – but together we hold values of dignity, justice, and peace,” New York Bishop Matthew Heyd said in his invitation to a post-election vigil at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. “We can gather across differences to affirm the values we share.”
The United Methodist Church is encouraging member churches to openly show hospitality to the community as well as its members during the election process, especially on Election Day, and after. The idea is to introduce the church to those who may not be familiar with its ministry, but also relieve the inescapable anxiety.
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is offering a national prayer opportunity, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Election Day, led by the Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson along with other UCC leaders.
“As this historic campaign season concludes, our prayer vigil will be an inclusive space to hold and share the complex feelings people carry on election day, ” said the Rev. Michael Neuroth, director of the UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C. “We will gather as the Church to pray and remind one another that whatever the outcome of this election, our mission remains unchanged — to build a just world for all.”
In recognition of what people may be experiencing, the UCC church is offering breakout rooms for “pastoral care concerns, spiritual grounding and election protection tips,” according to their website. There are also links to offer prayers leading up to Election Day and to register for the Zoom prayer event.
In New York, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York also has scheduled a post-election, interfaith vigil for 7 p.m. on Nov. 6, the day after the election. Co-hosted by the Diocese of New York and Episcopal Divinity School, the vigil will be joined by Heyd, Long Island Bishop Lawrence Provenzano and civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton. Also featured will be Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive director of the New York Board of Rabbis and the Rev. Chloe Breyer, executive director of the Interfaith Center of New York.
Heyd said the service “will be an opportunity for us to gather and to connect in our local communities across the diocese.”
In Washington, the National Cathedral, known as a house of prayer for all people, is likewise opening its doors for an Election Day prayer vigil, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with four services that are also available through livestream. The vigil continues Nov. 6 with an open chapel from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a Service of Unity and Hope After an Election at noon.
The historic Riverside Church in New York City, known for its robust community presence and its ongoing social justice fight, is also opening up for Election Day outreach. Its program, titled “Faith Over Fear: Road to and Through the Election,” invites community members to an evening of community, comfort and reflection.
In recent weeks, “we’ve engaged our hearts, minds and bodies in this journey through the presidential election — now let’s gather for a night of support and hope,” according to the church’s website. Enticing opportunities include a comfort food dinner, soothing chair massage, singing hymns and creating art.
The next day, they will gather in “Space for Grace” to worship, sing and pray, share communion and enjoy the preaching of Rev. Lisa Weaver.
This article was originally published on WordinBlack.com.
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