11/09/2024
A Message from Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Synod of the Northeast's Transitional Leader
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Today, I joined with partner heads of communion, and together, we reflected on the sacred role our faith must play in these tumultuous times. Certain words resonated deeply with me, and I wanted to share them with you, as I believe they offer grounding truths we can all hold onto:
“The Gospel should not be conscripted by any political party.”
“Our purpose is to defend those who have no helper.”
“There is a future after this moment.”
“Our faith should ground our reality.”
Wherever you stand today in relation to the Presidential Election or on the political spectrum, let us remember: we are, first and foremost, the people of God, called to live out our faith in the world. Our shared faith and values unite us, regardless of our political differences. How we live today and in the future will bear witness to the One we proclaim as Savior, the One who calls us to love, to compassion, and to justice.
As we take our next steps, our response should be prayerful and filled with witness. Yesterday was a difficult day for many. For some, it was a day of mourning and loss; for others, a time of relief and celebration. These feelings are valid, reflecting the profound divides in our country. We are in a time when deep blue and deep red coexist within our communities, and as much as we hope for unity, we know the divisions run deep.
Yet, our calling is not shaped by political alignments. Our theology calls us to something higher: mutual forbearance and radical love. Bishop Michael Curry reminds us of this transformative truth:
“Love as an action is the only thing that has ever changed the world for the better. Love is a commitment to seek the good and to work for the good and welfare of others. It doesn’t stop at our front door or our neighborhood, our religion or race, our state’s or our country’s border. Where selfishness excludes, love makes room and includes. Where selfishness puts down, love lifts up. Where selfishness hurts and harms, love helps and heals. Where selfishness enslaves, love sets free and liberates.” — Bishop Michael Curry, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
I invite you to be gentle with yourselves and with others in the days and weeks ahead. This political season has been hard on our souls, and the words spoken have cut deeply. But there is a way forward. We can move from this moment in time with our hearts set on the hope and healing that come through Christ. We can choose to live incarnationally, bringing love and light into the world and reflecting the faith that grounds us.
Let us rest in God’s promises, as Jeremiah reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). We have a future together, rooted in God’s vision for a world transformed by grace.
In peace, prayer, and steadfast hope.
Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Transitional Leader
