Today I touch the 3rd rail: politics.

Let me go back.  One of my first conversations as pastor about politics took place when someone came to my office to inquire about joining the parish.  Their fundamental question was, “will my politics be welcome in this parish or will I be made uncomfortable because of my politics?”  Ouch.  The gospel was being asked to conform to the world.  That’s not how Jesus works.

Next came the letters.  Every election year I received letters threatening to challenge our tax-exempt status if I dared to speak about politics.

I have always tried to stick to principles, and this has frustrated folks all over the spectrum.  But the principles I can give you are rooted in revelation.  Yes, “Seek first the Kingdom and all other things shall be added unto you.”  If your measuring rod for your votes is a political party, then you are not seeking first the Kingdom.  If you want the gospel to conform to your social preferences than you are not loving God above all.

Last week our bishop wrote us beautifully of 3 foundational principles which must guide how we vote:

All of the elections down the ballot matter.  Local elections can directly affect the relationship of the parish to the communities we live in.  I believe Fredericksburg.com will be publishing info about local elections this weekend.

I have refused to tell you how to vote.  Our bishop called voting a ‘sacred duty.’  However a poorly informed vote may end up worse than no vote.  Understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.  We have provided in this week’s bulletin an assessment of some of the critical positions taken by candidates in the Virginia elections.  Inform you conscience and resist the urge to vote down strictly party lines.

pax,

fr mosimann