As early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.

Throughout this election year, we have spoken about the importance of staying engaged in fair elections. This engagement is a direct expression of our faith, rooted in the understanding that each person is a beloved child of God, deserving of dignity and respect. Our call as followers of Christ is to seek the common good, ensuring that our elections are conducted with integrity, fairness, and transparency.

In a time when division can feel overwhelming, we are reminded of our biblical call to love our neighbor as ourselves. Voting provides us with an opportunity to act on that love, making choices that uphold the values of justice, equity, and compassion in our communities.

As early voting begins, I encourage you to take time for prayerful reflection on the issues that are most important to you. Consider how your vote can contribute to shaping a future focused on hope and the well-being of all people. I also invite you to gather with others in your congregation and community to discuss the propositions and candidates. Together, we can engage thoughtfully and meaningfully with the initiatives on the ballot.

The Office of the Bishop staff has devoted particular attention to sharing resources in this election season. If you are living in Arizona, LAMA created a guide to the 2024 Arizona Ballot Measures. We’ve also shared important voting dates in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah in our calendar.

I also want to draw your attention to the Church and Society resource page on the Grand Canyon Synod website. This page is filled with valuable resources that explore important election issues, offer guidance on Christian nationalism, and provide tools for ensuring the safety and well-being of our congregations during these complex times. I encourage you to visit this page and share it with others in your community as we navigate this election season with faith and discernment.

I am grateful for the participation on our recent Conversation About Congregational Safety Zoom call. Dozens of congregational leaders joined us to address concerns about political violence and shared resources from both the FBI and the ELCA on Christian nationalism. We received excellent feedback from this conversation and gained even more resources to support our ongoing efforts to keep our communities safe. These discussions are vital as we continue to work toward creating secure spaces for all, especially during such a polarized time.

We believe that God listens to and answer our prayers. So with bold confidence we pray for our neighbors, our leaders, and for the systems that guide our nation. Let us pray:

Gracious God, guide us as we take part in this election process. Grant us wisdom, humility, and a heart for justice. May your spirit of peace fill our communities as we seek to serve you and one another. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

In Christ’s service with you,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA