In an article first published on Religion News Service, Rev Jennifer Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life, says Christians have an important duty in the upcoming US election – preventing violence against people regarded as political adversaries…
Via RNS
Over the past five years, the US has seen a marked increase in political violence – from an uptick in hate crimes nationally to the attempted assassinations of leading political figures to threats of violence against female politicians, such as the recently discovered plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (though threats have been leveled at women from both parties).
Political violence has been used many times to disenfranchise marginalised groups. But we’ve never had incitement tools as powerful as social media and mobile technology, which can deliver dangerous messages to screens around the world in an instant.
Voters line up in their cars ahead of the opening of a polling station on Saturday, 17th October, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Early voting began Saturday and hundreds came to vote in person or drop off absentee ballots as part of the 2020 presidential election. PICTURE: AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio.
Some of the most dangerous are those the Trump-Pence campaign, and its candidate, have been using to stoke its base. The campaign recently sent a text message to supporters warning: “ANTIFA ALERT They’ll attack your homes if Joe wins.” This isn’t a get-out-the-vote message, it’s a call to arms.
“What we know from international experience – as well as the US’ own history of political violence – is that elections can accelerate and exacerbate these conflict dynamics,” said Samantha Owens, US regional director of Over Zero, a violence-prevention group that works with faith communities.
“Political violence has been used many times to disenfranchise marginalised groups. But we’ve never had incitement tools as powerful as social media and mobile technology, which can deliver dangerous messages to screens around the world in an instant.”
“What’s important to recognise,” Owens continued, is that “while the risks remain high, they are by no means inevitable. Leaders from all walks of life play a critical role in bolstering community resilience to violence from now through inauguration.”
In every election year, pastors wrestle with how to address hot-button issues and political divisions within our congregations. This year, we have a more urgent duty: preventing violence targeting people regarded as political adversaries.
Political disagreement among Christians is as old as the church itself, and I don’t expect us all to agree on every issue. But whether we are liberal or conservative, the continuity of democracy and peaceful transfer of power is safer than the alternative. Together, we can save lives if we unite in keeping the peace on November 3rd and in the potential aftermath amid disputed results.
“Religious leaders have a unique power to be violence preventers during polarized times like elections, given the trust, credibility and reach inherent to their positions” says Samantha Owens. “They can do many concrete things to reduce the danger.”
My organization, Faith in Public Life, has partnered with Owens’ Over Zero on numerous clergy trainings. Here are some lessons we have shared with faith leaders.
First, recognize the warning signs. If you’re reading this, you’ve begun the work. Pay close attention to rhetoric that increases the risk of violence, especially on social media, local media outlets and by word of mouth.
There are two broad categories of dangerous speech – words that portray an ‘other’ as a threat, and words that prepare your own group to act. The former are easy to recognise: dehumanisation or portraying a group as a collective threat to your safety and way of life.
The latter are subtler but just as dangerous. Praising virtues associated with violence, such as toughness and ruthlessness, ratchets up the threat. So does rhetoric that implies that we may have no choice but to defend ourselves. Hold yourself accountable to avoiding these.
Second, calm the waters by appealing to unifying, peace-promoting values that our congregations hold dear. A leader of a conservative church, for example, can say things like “part of being a pro-life Christian is resisting the urge to take up arms, even in times of temptation”. Drive peace-activating values messages home everywhere you can: sermons, emails, everyday conversations, social media posts and newsletters.
Third, reach out across divides. Holding public events or community dialogs with leaders of different faiths and political persuasions helps counteract dehumanising rhetoric. A panel discussion with an imam, a Southern Baptist pastor and a Black Lives Matter organiser would go a long way, even if it doesn’t lead to consensus.
Again, this isn’t about papering over differences. If you sit at a table with people who are being portrayed as a threat, it sends a powerful message.
“[T]his isn’t about papering over differences. If you sit at a table with people who are being portrayed as a threat, it sends a powerful message.”
Fourth, help people become more empathetic by asking questions rather than giving instructions. Questions such as “When someone assumes the worst about us based on our Christian faith, do you feel fairly treated?” are much more effective than accusing people of being mean spirited.
Given this summer’s state violence against protesters, street clashes between far-right groups and antifascists and the proliferation of reckless rhetoric on social media, we cannot take a bloodless election for granted. But people of faith have unique power to keep the peace, now and in the long term.
Rev Jennifer Butler is CEO of Faith in Public Life. She was chair of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under the Obama administration.
