Election 2016: A Word from the Covenant Network Board

The Covenant Network of Presbyterians is gravely concerned about the aftermath of this year’s election.We are saddened by the tone and tenor of the campaign, and the ways it normalized, provoked and unapologetically used blatant displays of racism, sexism, bigotry toward LGBTQ people, xenophobia, religious discrimination and language and actions designed to “other” some in society and to instill fear and discord.We are particularly disheartened by the connection of some of these words and actions with those who identify as Christian, and with the apparent efficacy of such language and ideas in attracting the votes of Christians.Our concern grows as now-elected officials contemplate appointments, policies and postures that can only cause further injury to vulnerable people and to our society. We fear for the impact on transgender people; religious minorities, especially those perceived to be Muslim or Jewish; immigrants; all who are poor or lack proper health care; people of color; same-sex couples and all lesbian, gay and bisexual people; women; the differently abled; and others.We are convicted that we who are opposed to fear-based and hate-motivated policies, positions and behavior in church and society must redouble our efforts, not falling silent but rather recommitting to fighting all forms of discrimination, whether it be in our pews and pulpits or in the broader world in which the church is called to labor.Therefore,

• We renew our commitment to seeking the full inclusion of all people in the church’s life and leadership without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or anything else unrelated to profession of faith.

• We renew our commitment to working for a transformed society, beginning with strengthening the church’s witness to the rights and liberties of all people and to the necessity of policies that lift up those values. We challenge even our own congregations to examine their own complicity in injustice and to take affirmative steps to repent and be transformed.

• We renew our commitment to stand in partnership with racial/ethnic caucuses, affinity groups and any and all congregations and individuals who want to work together to address matters of privilege, racism and white supremacy, and discrimination of all kinds, inside and outside of the church.

• We call on all Presbyterians to join us in active engagement, in vocal critique, in local organizing, in faithful study, in personal self-examination and in constant prayer.  May God make our church—and our nation and its leaders—truly inclusive, and as generous and just as God’s grace.

The Board of Directors of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians

The Rev. Randy Bush, Co-ModeratorEast Liberty Presbyterian ChurchPittsburgh, PAThe Rev. Marci Auld Glass, Co-ModeratorSouthminster Presbyterian ChurchBoise, IDThe Rev. Deborah Block Immanuel Presbyterian ChurchMilwaukee, WITimothy CahnSeventh Avenue Presbyterian ChurchSan Francisco, CAThe Rev. Laura M. CheifetzPresbyterian Publishing CorporationLouisville, KYSam EvansFourth Presbyterian ChurchChicago, ILThe Rev. Chad Andrew HerringJohn Knox Presbyterian KirkKansas City, MOThe Rev. Clifton KirkpatrickLouisville Presbyterian Theological SeminaryLouisville, KYThe Rev. Kenneth E. KovacsCatonsville Presbyterian ChurchCatonsville, MDThe Rev. Joann LeeCalvary Presbyterian ChurchSan Francisco, CA

The Rev. Kimberly Bracken LongColumbia Theological SeminaryDecatur, GAThe Rev. Carol M. McDonaldExecutive Emerita, Synod of Lincoln Trails Indianapolis, INThe Rev. Baron MullisMorningside Presbyterian ChurchAtlanta, GAThe Rev. Patti SnyderUniversity Presbyterian ChurchBaton Rouge, LASusan ThorntonSt. Mark Presbyterian ChurchNewport Beach, CAThe Rev. Daniel VigilanteGrace Trinity Community ChurchMinneapolis, MNJames A. WilsonBroad Street Presbyterian ChurchColumbus, OHThe Rev. Frank YamadaMcCormick Theological SeminaryChicago, ILThe Rev. Brian Ellison, Executive DirectorCovenant Network of PresbyteriansKansas City, MOThe Rev. Tricia Dykers Koenig, National OrganizerCovenant Network of PresbyteriansCleveland Heights, OH

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We welcome your questions and comments.

To join us in our work, please email brian@covnetpres.org

To offer a financial gift to make this work possible,please visit www.covnetpres.org/donate.