People in this country are hurting — and we can help. That’s the reason you are part of Moral Monday CT — because you see the gap between what this nation is and what it needs to become. Together, we are working to change the conversation: to strengthen our communities, end the legacy of white supremacy, eliminate the violence that is being directed against people of color, give every worker a fair wage, and protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.
As a pastor, I have seen the effects of each of these issues in the lives of women, men, and children. I have seen parents who work two jobs but still have to feed their babies sugar-water when the rent comes due at the end of month. I have listened to the anxiety of hard-working people who fear being deported; written checks to help people who are out of work for a while because they have fallen ill; counseled parents who are trying to teach their children safe ways to interact with the police.
These are difficult things, and they point to a moral deficit in our country: some of us have allowed ourselves not to care enough about the lives of our neighbors. But, as citizens of a democracy, we have one easy way to foster life-giving change: We can vote.
Sometimes, it can seem as if our vote doesn’t matter, as if none of the candidates understand our lives or care about the issues that break our hearts or inspire our hope. But while there are no perfect candidates, there are some candidates who will make things better and others who will make things worse.
We have been given the power to vote, and we have a moral obligation to use it for good. Together, we can ensure the promise of equality America stands for is given to every single man, woman, and child. We can and we will make this a more just and compassionate nation. Because it’s not about left or right; it’s about right and wrong.
Vote your heart!
The Rev. Dr. Deborah Meister, Rector
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Glastonbury, CT
November 6, 2018
