Election Resources

“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that,
it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.” -Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

A Season of Prayer: For an Election
October 27 - November 3 

Forward Movement and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations are calling Episcopalians to come together, asking God for courage and wisdom, thanking God for love and joy. As we move toward the election of leaders for the United States, may we all join in a season of prayer, committing to offer to God our fears and frustrations, our hopes and dreams. 

Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness
November 1

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will lead Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness, a live-streamed prayer service from Washington National Cathedral on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. EST. Amid pandemic, racial reckoning, and an historic election, the live-streamed service will gather Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor. The service will feature an ecumenical and multifaith array of voices, musical offerings, and prayers. Using a combination of live and visually stunning pre-recorded elements gathered from across the nation, the service will be live-streamed in English and Spanish.

Prayer Hotline
November 1 - November 5

A live prayer hotline in English and Spanish will be open during Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness. The hotline, staffed by Episcopal clergy and chaplains, and in partnership with Virginia Theological Seminary and General Theological Seminary, will be open from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. EST from November 1 to November 5. The line can be reached at 202-998-3510. 

Vote Faithfully Prayers of the People
Anytime

From the Office of Government Relations’ Vote Faithfully Toolkit, these prayers are perfect for use throughout the election season. They were written by the Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director of Faith Formation and Officer for Young Adult and Campus Ministries.

Bulletin Insert Series from Sermons that Work
October 11 - November 1

As the U.S. approaches Election Day, November 3rd, Sermons That Work is teaming up with The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and four writers from across the Church to reflect on the Christian call to participate in our common life together through voting.

Civil Conversation in Uncivil Times: Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square
October 12 - October 26 

This free online course is ideal for Christians looking for ways to be faithful in the midst of contentious politics. Join an award-winning journalist Ray Suarez for four video sessions: The Challenge of Civility, Scripture and Civility, What Civility Might Look Like, and Getting There. Take this course for free anytime between October 12-26.

Prayers from the BCP here and here. 

Want to go deeper?

Heroism, Hostility and Politics: Part 1, Affective Polarization and Political Tribalism

As an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, I (Richard Beck) was invited to contribute to the most recent issue of Fuller Magazine, a special issue focused on politics and the election.

My article was entitled "The Hope and the Horror: Reflections for an Election Year." I thought I'd share some of the main parts of the article this week.

The hope from the title speaks to how in our elections we feel that we are given the reins of history, a real chance to make a difference in our lives and the lives of our neighbors. Participatory democracy is empowering. It gives us hope for tomorrow. And what about the horror?...