We’ve compiled a list of events and other resources from the UCC and elsewhere that can help you navigate the challenging days ahead.
Election Day vigil and prayer service. UCC General Minister and President Karen Georgia A. Thompson and UCC leaders from across the nation will lead a nonpartisan virtual prayer vigil beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The vigil will highlight prayers submitted from across the denomination and will be woven together with music and prayers from UCC leaders. After the vigil, separate breakout rooms will be available for election-related pastoral care concerns, spiritual grounding, and election protection tips. Learn more and register. (Please note: This event may reach capacity. If you find that you are having difficulty accessing the session on Zoom, visit the UCC YouTube channel to watch a live stream of the session.)
Post-election check-in at November Ministry Roundtable: It’s been an intense time for pastors and lay people alike, and the weeks and months to come are likely to bring more of the same. Join Associate Conference Ministers Michael Jones and Rachel Bauman for a time of reflection, sharing, prayer and mutual support. Everyone is welcome – clergy, laypeople and anyone who wishes to process the current political moment in community. The Zoom event will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday. Register now.
Interfaith America: This group, whose mission is to inspire, equip, and connect leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity, will host a panel of three Interfaith America Vote is Sacred fellows for a discussion of their experience of organizing within faith communities before the election and how faith communities can continue to support democratic processes post-election. The event, co-sponsored by the Princeton Religious Literacy Program, will take place online at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19. Register now.
Danforth Center on Religion and Politics: Based at Washington University in St. Louis, the Danforth Center is a trove of resources exploring the intersection of religion and politics. Of special interest: videos of two panel discussions titled “Realistic Hope: American Democracy and the 2024 Election.” The conversations, moderated by John Dickerson of CBS News, took place in October but will resonate long after Election Day. Panelists are former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and author Valeria Luiselli.
Faith & Leadership Initiative: This project, based at Duke Divinity School, offers a collection of essays, book excerpts, interviews and other resources to help faith leaders and their communities navigate the current political environment. You might start with “What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus in a Divided America?” by journalist and author Bekah McNeel.
Contemplative citizenship. Religion News Service last week reported on a pastor in purple Pennsylvania who is using ancient prayer and meditation techniques to help people learn to respond to political disagreements more constructively.