All our stories since November 4, 2004,
are listed on the Election 2004 page.

We believe it's important for a group like the Witherspoon Society, as it is for all people of faith, to pay attention, serious attention, not only to what we see in the media but to the deeper issues of peace and justice that underlie our choices.

So on this page we will present some views of the campaign as it unfolds -- hopefully reflecting Witherspoon's commitments to peace and justice, without being merely partisan.

We want to offer a variety of opinions and reflections, both from you, our friends and visitors, and from other sources.

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights calls for support:
Urge the Republican National Committee to halt plans to challenge voters [10-28-04]

In its November 8 issue, the American Conservative Magazine takes the rather remarkable step of endorsing John Kerry for president. They don't like him much, but they have concluded that "Bush has behaved like a caricature of what a right-wing president is supposed to be, and his continuation in office will discredit any sort of conservatism for generations. The launching of an invasion against a country that posed no threat to the U.S., the doling out of war profits and concessions to politically favored corporations, the financing of the war by ballooning the deficit to be passed on to the nation's children, the ceaseless drive to cut taxes for those outside the middle class and working poor: it is as if Bush sought to resurrect every false 1960s-era left-wing cliché about predatory imperialism and turn it into administration policy."

David Batstone of Sojourners reflects on the apocalyptic potential of the presidential campaign. The deep divisions, he fears, will leave nearly half our people feeling that a disaster has occurred, no matter who wins. And if President Bush should be re-elected, he will likely be less inclined than ever to build cooperative relationships with the opposing party - and thus the divide will deepen. And this will happen just when the nation is confronted with every growing challenges: the growing deficit, Social Security, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq, nuclear proliferation, environmental crises in the making ... "all cry out for reasoned, bipartisan initiatives."

So he concludes: " ... we have met the enemy, and it is us. A nation deeply divided will falter, for it cannot exert the strength of moral will that our times require. Without a vision that can transcend the flames of parochial interest, the people will perish."

For a similar analysis that it's our nation that's the real problem, you may want to take a look at "Brainy Candidates Need Not Apply," by Ariel Dorfman.

Yesterday, at the suggestion of a Witherspoon member, your WebWeaver sent a little note to an e-list of our members. It said:

Dear Witherspooners --

One of our members has just sent me a note suggesting that we should encourage all of our members to get out and vote next Tuesday.

I suspect you don't need to be reminded, but this year more than ever it seems imperative for Christians committed to peace and justice to let our voices be heard. Or at least try to let them be heard.

So let's vote -- and encourage others to do the same -- for a better world.

Doug King

Almost immediately, back came this response:

Thanks, Doug. Yes, it is incredibly important! I even had a conversation with a homeless man last week. He was on a street corner here in Nashville a few blocks from the university and his sign said "Vote," and below it "Homeless Hungry." I thought it was interesting that he had Vote on his sign, so I rolled down my window to chat with him. He said "Vote for Kerry. We need to get that guy of Washington. He is ruining our country. I may be homeless but I can still see what is going on." I told him I agreed with him and gave him a dollar, but I think his thoughts were certainly worth much more.

Take care,
Linda

Linda L. Carter
Nashville, TN

So to avoid getting stuck in a long line, or having to rush off to an appointment, you may want to check on how and where you can vote before election day - a possibility in most states now.

You can check on voting in your state and even your precinct.

After you enter your zip code, you'll get information on when early voting starts in your state, and whom to call for the location nearest you. Be sure to take a photo ID to the polls -- that's a new requirement in many places this year.

The Interfaith Alliance's 'Call to Faithful Decision Weekend' as a way for religious leaders to bring the subject of elections and civic responsibility into their worship services (as sermons, announcements, prayers, songs, and/or litanies) the weekend prior to the election.

The election protection program is working to provide poll workers to help oversee what may be some hotly contested voting places.

Time to Vote is working to get employers to let employees have the time they need to go and vote.

Vote ALL Your Values is recruiting volunteers to phone voters in communities of color and lower income communities and remind them to vote (an important GOTV effort that can be done from anywhere, including your home).

Also:

People of faith speak in support of stem cell research   [10-26-04]

In August a group of theologians, ethicists, and other people of faith began circulating a petition in support of stem cell research. Their letter at that time outlined some of the reasons for their stance. Now they are sending a new note, saying they are "planning to issue a press release about the petition by Friday of this week and expect to gain considerable media coverage about the fact that many people of faith support stem cell research because of its promise for treating severe human diseases." So they are offering another chance for people to add their names to the list of signatories.

You may want to take a look at "Brainy Candidates Need Not Apply," by Ariel Dorfman

Jane Hanna suggests this op-ed piece from the L A Times, Oct. 22

It could be seen as a criticism of George W. Bush, but your WebWeaver sees it as tackling a much more serious matter: the curious culture of the United States which views intelligence (not the kind that purportedly justifies our various military ventures, but the kind that comes from knowledge and understanding) with deep suspicion.

A Christian case for choosing a president: the facts about abortion and promoting life

Mary A. Parker, a Catholic attorney practicing in Nashville, Tennessee, looks deeper than the campaign rhetoric to ask basic questions especially for "pro-life" people who are pondering questions such as these Can you believe in the sanctity of life, profess to be against abortion, yet be in favor of the death penalty? Can you believe in the sanctity of life and remove funding for programs that affects an increase in the numbers of abortions? Can you believe in the sanctity of life and promote laws that permit destruction of the environment by throwing toxins into the air and water? Can you be for the sanctity of life and start an aggressive war that causes the loss of tens of thousands of lives? Can Christians vote for "pro-choice" candidates and remain in good standing with their Churches?    [10-25-04]

Have you seen the new campaign ad using a pack of wolves to depict the fear the sponsors apparently want us to feel?  Witherspooner Harold Barton forwarded a little story that seems to offer the best response.

A Cherokee elder was teaching his grandchildren about life.

He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight, it is between two wolves. One wolf is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, arrogance self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other wolf is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, forgiveness, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you and inside every other person too."

The children thought about the story for a moment, and one child asked, "Grandfather, which wolf will win?"

Thanks to Vice President Dick Cheney this site is now better known and busier than ever. But if you've missed it, here's an objective source for getting through some of the distortions (we won't use the nastier word that comes to mind) that are being trumpeted by both sides in the current campaign.

From the right column on their home page, you can sign up to receive automatic notices of each report.

We have heard recently from a group calling itself Res Publica (http://www.therespublica.org/), which is working with Faithful America and a number of other progressive religious organizations on this effort. Their note says:

We're going to call attention to some of the values (peace, compassion, etc.) that have been ignored during the past few years. One of the ways we're going to do this is by holding a Day of Action on October 16^th, which may involve fasts, potluck dinners and vigils at communities of faith across the country.

We'd love to learn what the Witherspoon Society is doing to support get-out-the-vote efforts, and see if we might somehow add our strengths to yours. We'd also like to find a way to reach your network of churches to let them know about the Day of Action, so they may decide whether or not to participate.

You may want to look at the full text of the "Call to Action to the Progressive Faith Community," signed by such leaders as the Rev. Dr. William Sloane Coffin, Honorary Chair, FaithfulAmerica.org, the Rev. Dr. Robert Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA, the Rev. Dr. James. A. Forbes Jr., Senior Minister, The Riverside Church and leaders of many other faith communities.

So ... we'd like to hear from you! What do you think of this effort? And what's happening in your church or area to encourage folks to vote?

Just send a note, and (unless you tell us otherwise) we'll share it here.

The religious groups that make up the U.S. electorate.   [10-6-04]

Right, left, and the broad middle? It's much more complicated if you look at the varying religious group in America as they interact with the political life of the nation.

Beliefnet calls them the Twelve Tribes of American Politics, on the basis of a study funded by the Pew Religion Forum (see full study) and the Ray K Bliss Institute at University of Akron.

Theologian Doug Ottati considers our human tendency to prefer "utilitarian religion" -- using God as a guarantor of getting our way.

Glen Stassen observes that in this election season, "some on the religious right have made their kind of religion a major issue in the present election campaign. They should not be met by silence. Christians should make peacemaking their central concern this year. Our future depends on it. Christians commit themselves to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who taught his followers to be peacemakers." He concludes: "Let us be peacemakers before we are Democrats or Republicans."

Stassen is professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. Previously he taught at Southern (Baptist) Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, before that school was taken over by the denomination's far right.

Brian McLaren, serving what looks like an evangelical, progressive congregation in Maryland, ponders how he can deal responsibly and prophetically with our coming election, without simply urging people to vote, or alienating them by taking sides on issues where they don't all agree.

He offers some helpful thoughts and strategies, which are posted on the Sojourners website.

Just as some moderate evangelicals have reminded our nation that "God is not a Republican ... or a Democrat," a group of Catholics, led by Martin Sheen and Sister Joan Chittister OSB of Pax Christi USA, is refuting the claim that Catholics are single issue voters and reclaiming the proud Catholic tradition of social justice teaching.   [9-23-04]

Here's their call to action:

To characterize the whole content of the Catholic faith in a single issue is inappropriate and unjust. We know from our faith history that multiple social issues make up the depth and breadth of Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Pius XI wrote that being a good Catholic involved working against financial monopolies that restrict enterprise. Pope John XXIII condemned sexism, the arms race and systemic poverty. Pope John Paul II has called repeatedly for the transformation of economic structures that oppress the poor.

Yet, despite our rich history, rarely a day goes by without our politicians, the media, and even some of our own religious leaders holding up one lone issue as the litmus test for Catholics.

Are you frustrated with individuals telling you that one issue should decide your vote? If you are, join us in sending a strong message to America that our faith and our commitment to the common good are not exhausted by any one issue. Click below to add your name to "Life Does Not End at Birth," a statement that reminds politicians, church leaders and the media that we are called to vote for candidates based on the full range of issues that impact the common good:  www.faithfulamerica.org/LifeNotEndAtBirth.htm

Help mobilize a million Catholic voices for justice by supporting the publication of this statement across the country:  www.faithfulamerica.org/LifeNotEndAtBirth.htm

The statement will appear in secular and Catholic publications nationwide, reaching the millions of Catholics still struggling with their conscience and with the teachings of the church as they decide how to vote in the 2004 election.

In peace,

Martin Sheen and Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB

Unless you earn more than $100,000, America is just not the place to live. Over the last 30 years, your share of GDP has gone down consistently. It used to be that your salary just didn't go up. Now, with automation and outsourcing, your job is much more likely to leave forever. Griff Witte of the Washington Post takes a hard look at what this really means for the Americans failed by the economy.

Click here for the report. [Free, one-time registration is required.}

The Lawyer's Alliance provides guidance on how non-profit groups can express political convictions without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Some suggestions: Identify your group's position on issues, rather than discussing political positions of particular candidates. If you invite candidates to an event held by your group, send them a letter explicitly stating that this is not a campaign event. Don't link your group's website to political or campaign sites. It's better not to endorse (or even explicitly encourage participation in) particular political events, such as rallies, protests, and such.

Thanks to Utne Webwatch

A helpful visitor adds this note:

Editor:

Thank you for the article from the Lawyer's Alliance about political activity by churches. Unfortunately, in its brevity, it may give some misimpressions about what kinds of activity are dicey. I am particularly concerned that it is not precise in its discussion of "political activity." My understanding from reading the more lengthy explanations on the PC(USA) website, is that a church endangers its tax exempt status when it endorses (or even appears to endorse) a particular political candidate or party. This does not prevent a church from engaging in activism around issues or from encouraging its members to exercise the civic duty of voting, but from endorsing candidates with similar stands on those issues. A much trickier question to my mind, is what are the boundaries for a church's prophetic witness about the behavior of an elected official, when that official is running for reelection, so that the church's critique is not perceived as a political endorsement of the official's opponent.


Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Kathleen Eschen-Pipes
Santa Cruz, CA

The National Council of Churches USA has offered 10 principles for evaluating candidates that it hopes all Christians - from liberals to conservatives - will study and apply in this election year.  They could provide very helpful points for reflection and conversation in churches and elsewhere. 

You can download a one page list of the ten principles, with a short study guide on the back of the page.

How can the church be engaged without overstepping the legal limits on political activities by tax exempt organizations?  Here are some helpful guidelines.

Sojourners is planning to place messages in the New York Times and other media outlets, to remind Americans that "God is not a Republican. Or a Democrat." This is aresponse to the claims by Jerry Falwell and others that "God has taken a side in this election," while the Bush-Cheney campaign urges church members to make their church directories available for use by the campaign.

Sojourners asks: "How has the love of Jesus, the Prince of Peace - and his good news to the poor - been distorted by the pro-war, pro-rich political agenda of the Religious Right? Our faith has been hijacked, and it's time to take it back!"

Click here to sign the Sojourners petition and send a message to America that God is not a Republican or a Democrat, and that the Religious Right does not speak for you.  Remind America that Jesus taught us to be peacemakers, advocates for the poor, and defenders of justice.

Seminarians for Change, a progressive theological students' organization in New York, is planning an interfaith service of worship on Sunday, August 29, in New York City. The service will include "include future religious leaders from many faith traditions ... gathering in the spirit of prayer, meditation and change."

The service will take place at St. Paul & St. Andrew's United Methodist Church on West 86^th Street and West End Avenue in NYC at 9:30 am on Sunday, August 29, 2004.  After the service, participants will be invited to join in the United for Peace and Justice march and rally.

A recent op-ed piece in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, by a self-professed "very conservative Christian" who believes in the Bible "as the inspired word of God," suggests that such beliefs don't necessary lead to total support of the Republican Party. He can understand by conservative Christians might support the Republican Party on issues such as abortion. But, he asks, "what of Christian virtues such as love, mercy, peace making, compassion for the weak and poor, considering others as more important than yourself and personal service? In what way does the GOP support those concepts? And this whole idea of cutting taxes to keep more of 'my money' (something of an oxymoron to a Christian)? In what way is this not a form of selfishness? Especially when those tax cuts remove services from poor children, education and support for the mentally ill?"

Subject: Here I am, send me: Thoughts on President Bill Clinton's Speech Date: 7/27/2004

Dear Doug,

I hope you got to hear President Clinton's stirring speech last night, the theme of which was John Kerry's willingness to heed the call to act, to serve, and to lead. "Send me" was the President's poignant refrain, as he spoke of John Kerry's willingness to serve our country in Vietnam, his determination to get an accounting of the POW's and MIA's we lost there and his work to push the cause of inner-city kids as well as small business owners. "Send me," has been John Kerry's consistent mantra and his answer to the call.

This service theme of "send me," reminds me of the wonderful hymn, "Here I am Lord," by Daniel L. Schutte, based on Genesis 46:2 "God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, 'Jacob, Jacob.' And he said, 'Here I am.' "

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

Time and again, John Kerry has answered the call to act, to serve and to lead. From the battlefields of war to the frontlines of the senate floor, John Kerry has been preparing for the greatest call of his life -- that of serving as the President of the United States of America. He is ready, he is willing, and he is more than able. "Here I am," he says, "send me."

President Clinton concluded his speech by saying, "Since we're all in the same boat, let us choose as the captain of our ship a brave good man who knows how to steer a vessel though troubled waters to the calm seas and clear skies of our more perfect union. We know our mission. Let us join as one and say in a loud, clear voice: Send John Kerry." I agree with President Clinton. Our call is just as clear. We must do everything we can to get out the vote, to write letters and papers and e-mails! We must do everything we can to stand behind the one who says, "here I am, send me." That person is John Kerry.

Hoping for the future,

by Rabbi Michael Lerner

Some notes for the Kerry campaign, if wanted

Wendell Berry -- author, farmer, environmentalist, philosopher -- looks at the deeper questions of values being neglected so far in this campaign.  We must look at those questions of principle, he says.  He begins:

FACING THIS YEAR'S presidential election, our people are bitterly divided. This division is perhaps as great a threat to our future as is the possibility of a second term for Mr. Bush. And so the paramount question for Sen. Kerry's campaign is how to oppose Mr. Bush effectively without so exacerbating the country's political differences as to reduce the possibility of effective government should Sen. Kerry win the election.

One answer, I believe, is to base the campaign solidly and clearly upon our traditional principles of politics and religion. (I am reluctant to say that religion ought to be a political issue in the United States, but it is unstoppably an issue in this campaign.) If the campaign is based soundly enough on principles, then it can be carried out, at least by Democrats, as a reasoned argument, and thus without sensationalizing personal and emotional differences. The further great advantage is that the Bush administration can be shown all too handily to be in violation of many of our country's traditional political and religious principles.