Weigand said every time she drives into the First Methodist parking lot, which stands a few blocks from the state capitol, she’s aware of the influence people of faith can have in the democratic process.
“Each one of us has been called to listen to one another, to work toward civil discourse, to keep votes safe so that people can have their voices and their votes counted,” she said.
Along with promoting voting, Wisconsin faith groups are gearing up for Election Day, with some clergy getting training to serve as poll chaplains, preparing sermon series on kindness and “loving your neighbor in an election season,” hosting vigils and in at least one case, offering a “decompress day” after the election.
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison will hold a “Hope Café” on Nov. 6, offering tea, coffee, snacks and community. The church will also focus on finding “healing and rest” after a weary election season.
“Being in community is healing during these times of anxiety, polarization and unknown for our nation,” the Rev. Julia Burkey said in an email. “What we do know is that we are in this together, and coming together offers hope.”
On Election Day (Nov. 5), First Presbyterian Church in Hudson, Wisconsin, near the Minnesota border, will open its doors for prayer, where people can light candles, post their prayer requests and pray for peace. There will also be a sand table, where people can write their anxieties and then brush them away — in a physical representation of letting go of their fears and anxieties.
The Rev. Kendra Grams said she hears regularly from people who are worried about the election and about the state of polarization in the country.
“We are all feeling the tension,” she said.
Grams said she is also often talking with people about what comes after the election — and how the country moves forward. In the back of her mind, she’s also thinking about the transition of power in January and the impact of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
“I hope I’m not calling emergency prayer services,” she said.
As the press conference in Madison wound down, a truck drove by, with two huge American flags flying in the bed alongside a “Harris-Walz” sign, another example of life in a battleground state.
The Rev. Chaks Zadda of the First Baptist Church of Waukesha, Wisconsin, closed the event with a benediction.
“May the Lord bless you as you continue to exercise your power of participating in democracy to make a difference in God’s world,” he said.
This article originally appeared here.
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