From “The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy” by Jim Wallis
In response to the clear and growing threats to the votes of citizens of color, our “poll chaplains” are present at the most vulnerable polling places to provide truthful information, trusted assurances, moral presence, and practical protection for voters as needed. Wearing their pastoral garb, they have helped to defuse potential conflicts. They have escorted armed white men out of Black polling places by surrounding them with their clerical collars, visible prayers, and spiritual presence. They have circled pickup trucks with flying Confederate and Trump flags and rifles in the air outside of Black elementary schools serving as polling places, and with their religious authority persuaded them to exit the scene. We respond to threats by so-called voter “challengers” and “interrogators.” And these are much more than good civic actions. They strike a moral nerve in the culture and clock a kairos moment.
I love our “lawyers and collars” campaign. For these clergy, this is not merely a partisan or even just a political issue, but a moral and theological one; creating an obligation of faith for us. Almost one thousand poll chaplains were enthusiastic about being present on the scene for the 2022 election with many more planned for the 2024 election. I implore you to join and help with this imago dei campaign.