American Baptist chaplains, spiritual caregivers called to protect democracy as November election approaches
VALLEY FORGE, PA (09/20/2024)—The Rev. Adam Taylor, president of Sojourners, delivered a compelling presentation to a virtual gathering of the American Baptist National Network of Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors & Specialized Ministers on September 5, urging them to help ensure a free and fair election this November. Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian organization that promotes social justice, focuses on issues such as poverty, human rights, and democracy.
The event, titled “Spiritual Care: Chaplains Beyond Religious Roles,” was one in a series of quarterly meetings of the National Network convened by the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, ecclesiastical endorser of Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries at American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS). “Faith leaders must be attuned to matters of social justice that affect our well-being,” said Murphy. “This includes supporting democracy and promoting civic engagement.”
Assessing the current political climate, Taylor said, “The majority of Republicans and Democrats no longer simply distrust each other; they now say in polls that they have contempt for each other.” He also underscored the rise of Christian nationalism and its “pernicious distortion” of faith as a significant threat to both the church and democracy.
Taylor also spoke of the mounting challenges to voting rights, particularly for marginalized communities. Voter suppression, political polarization, and the threat of violence at polling sites threaten the franchise, which Taylor characterizes as a theological issue that demands action. “Voting is an act of faith, and suppression offends God,” he asserted.
As such challenges intensify, Taylor sees an opportunity for faith leaders to extend themselves into the political realm, undertaking a critical active role in protecting voting rights by helping to ensure fair and safe elections. “My hope is that I’ll be able to inspire, and maybe persuade as many of you as possible, to join with us in serving as a poll chaplain on election day,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s entreaty was grounded in the work of Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD), a nonpartisan, multi-racial, and ecumenical campaign led by Sojourners and several other national organizations. FUSD focuses on protecting voting rights in ten key states—Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin—where voter access is most vulnerable. Taylor outlined FUSD’s efforts to recruit and train 2,000 poll chaplains and equip them with the tools needed to de-escalate tensions at the polls, deter voter intimidation, and provide spiritual support.
In her remarks, Murphy drew upon her experience as a poll chaplain in Pennsylvania to encourage National Network members to consider how their spiritual roles could extend to protecting the democratic process. She emphasized the resources and training available through FUSD and urged involvement. Taylor echoed Murphy, saying, “This is about the integrity of our democracy and the very witness of our faith.”
For more information on the campaign and to sign up for training, visit www.turnoutsunday.com. To learn more about the National Network of Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors & Specialized Ministers, visit abhms.org.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
