Dear Siblings in Christ,
We write to you this evening with prayers and support as this Election Day comes to a close. When we arise tomorrow, we may not know who the next President of the United States of America will be. We are always called by our baptismal covenant to respond to each other with empathy and love. This will be a time to commit ourselves to the work of deep healing of which our divided nation is in need.
As Bishop Jeff mentioned in his Bishop’s Address a few weeks ago at our 240th Annual Convention, we all are the branches of Jesus’ vine and we are charged to live together into God’s hope “that all may be one,” no matter the outcome of today’s election. We hope that in the weeks ahead you will continue to be branches of the one vine and extend the love of Jesus through connection and understanding in your families, in your parishes, in your communities, and in our nation.
It is also our hope that, even as you reach out, you remember that Jesus’ love is also there for you. You are part of a strong vine and Jesus’ love is ready to support, heal, and transform.
“O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, p. 824
Know that you remain in our prayers, tonight and always.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Jeff & Bishop Laura
Other Ways You Can Connect With Each Other & Us
This evening, please join our Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe for Election Night Virtual Prayers, beginning at 8 PM ET. You can register for the Zoom here or watch the livestream on the Episcopal Public Policy’s Facebook Page.
Tomorrow is the first Wednesday of the month, so there will be a Wednesday Bishops’ Call for Clergy & Lay Leaders from 8:30-9:30 AM. Join us on Zoom to be in community with others across ECCT: https://episcopalct.zoom.us/j/2010776405#success