Post-Election: A Reminder That You Matter

Friends,

Yesterday’s presidential election has left many in our communities feeling anger, grief, and fear of the unknown. While we know candidates are elected to lead Empires, we equally know that Empires have no allegiance to the least among us. Systems of oppression overlook, exploit, and harm the most vulnerable.

While Christian nationalism — a false narrative of what it means to be Christian — shaped and helped deliver the election results, we know with certainty that the religion of and faith in Jesus have always been about the least among us.

Throughout history, followers of Jesus have had to navigate oppressive systems and create alternative futures regardless of who was in power. Diasporic followers of Jesus’ Way are called to do the same and continue to build a vision for the world that prioritizes justice, mercy, and the care of the most vulnerable.

Let us take the necessary time to lament and acknowledge the pain and fear many are feeling. As we mourn, let us also protect our hearts from becoming pessimistic or passive. Progress has never been a given. It’s only possible because of our tenacity to fight for a better world. This moment invites all of us to resist the status quo and strive toward an alternative vision of society—one rooted in God’s justice and love. Therefore, be resolved in your efforts, resist despair, get into good trouble, and continue to help shape the imagined world we all long to see.

Remember that our work extends beyond the ballot box and a single election cycle. Whether or not our elected politicians align with our values, times like these always call for audaciously bold and inspiring leadership in our local communities, municipalities, neighborhoods, schools, churches and entrepreneurial endeavors.

In an extremely divided and polarized country, good leadership is necessary and FTE’s mission to cultivate diverse, faithful, wise and courageous leaders for the church, academy and our communities is even more important.

Despite setbacks and new challenges that will come, let me remind you that you matter. What you do is holy work that matters. While what you do is often exhausting work and requires resilience, wisdom, and resolve, your persistence in the struggle to build a beloved community that includes all of us is necessary. And my invitation to you is to consider: How are you now being called to lead with others at this moment? What is the next faithful step you are emboldened to take with others to shape a more hopeful future?

We’ve come this far by faith so let us find strength, joy, and solidarity in each other and our communities that will carry and sustain us for the path forward. Today, and in the days and months to come, take care of yourself and draw strength from the ancestors and future generations who will help us carry forward our holy work in the continued struggle for hope, love, and freedom for all.

In community and solidarity,

Stephen Lewis
President