Archbishop Weisenburger joins faith leaders in speaking with clarity about the election process, protecting democracy
DETROIT — Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger joined other faith leaders in praying for the protection of poll workers in the buildup to the Nov. 3 election.
On Oct. 21, Gesu Parish in northwest Detroit hosted “Vigil for Voting: An interfaith, nonpartisan gathering to pray for voters’ rights and poll worker safety,” where Archbishop Weisenburger, Gesu pastor Fr. Lorn Snow, SJ, and leaders of various other denominations and faith communities spoke of the civic duty to participate in democracy by voting, defending the rights and safety of election workers and promoting civil political discourse. The event was sponsored by the Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit.
Archbishop Weisenburger told the gathering that his mother was an election worker in Lawton, Oklahoma, and that participating in democracy is an act of faith.
“What does faith have to do with elections?” Archbishop Weisenburger asked to begin his remarks. “Pope Leo wrote in Magnifica Humanitas: ‘Faith invites us to see ... we are not merely neighbors to one another, but entrusted to each other, so that each of us may take responsibility, as best we can, for the lives and wounds of our brothers and sisters.’
“Even in my short year and a half here, I have seen Detroiters taking care of each other just like this,” Archbishop Weisenburger added. “And we know voting is a critical way that we care for each other. So it is very pleasing to stand with my brothers and sisters in faith, and with this community that you represent.”
Archbishop Weisenburger went on to quote Pope Leo on how today’s politics have often devolved into using misinformation and personal attacks to undermine faith in the democratic process.
“It’s a piercing truth from our Holy Father — politics using misinformation and fear to cultivate resentment. From there, difference becomes something to be subdued,” Archbishop Weisenburger said. “Of course, we’ve seen Detroit denigrated in national political discourse and misinformation campaigns. We’ve seen polarization and fear-mongering increase. We’ve seen threats and acts of intimidation at voting locations, gerrymandering and voting suppression, especially at polling locations in communities of color.
“Some might say, ‘That’s politics,’ but it is an affront to God,” Archbishop Weisenburger added. “Every voter should be able to fully participate in elections as a matter of human dignity and the common good.”
The vigil began with words from the Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.
“We gather today as leaders, interfaith leaders of our religions and different denominations in this, our state of Michigan,” she said. “And although we come from different faith denominations, we share essential values of care, compassion and safety. Each of us also shares a deep abiding love for our country and our democratic process.”
A key theme of the vigil was praying for the protection and safety of poll workers as they go about their administrative duties on Election Day, and to encourage people to be poll watchers and chaplains, ensuring every voter is able to cast their vote.
June Porter, a Gesu parishioner, is a volunteer poll worker who thanked the assembly for praying for her and her colleagues.
“As an election worker, our day is very long. We start at 5:45 a.m. and go into possibly 9, 9:30, and on occasion, 10 p.m, so it’s a very long time to be a volunteer,” Porter said. “My concern has been making sure voting goes smoothly. That’s why I volunteer. Not to see what was going on behind the scenes, but to make sure all of our votes count.”
Porter in particular urged younger people to get out and vote and to volunteer at their polling location.
“Your vote counts; we need it for a democratic society, we need it for the common good; you must get out there and vote,” Porter said. “This year is going to be a very difficult year. And we welcome people to come up with their questions. So please, if you want to volunteer as an election worker, it would be very nice to have you.”
The back of the vigil program featured a QR code where people could sign up to be a poll chaplain through the Franciscan Action Network, which has signed up 500 volunteers across the country.
“These poll chaplains may cast different votes for different candidates, but they stand together against intimidation and for democracy,” Archbishop Weisenburger said. “It’s an example to us all. You can sign up right from the back of your program.”
Archbishop Weisenburger said other actions people can take are to be informed about the democratic process, how votes are tabulated, and to stand against division and denigration in everyday conversation, being particularly mindful about media consumption and misinformation about the electoral process.
“Be careful how you feed the mind through news and media,” Archbishop Weisenburger said. “Have the wisdom and fortitude to see through manipulation and seek truth. Be wary of anyone in the media who labels the time it takes to count so many ballots as evidence of corruption. Remember, a careful, lawful process takes time. And that time is a kind of due diligence, professionalism and prudence.”
The archbishop concluded his comments by remembering that everyone — regardless of political affiliation — is entrusted to one another.
“When we see the weeds of misinformation, the weeds of dehumanization, or the weeds of domination spreading on our land, we don’t just give up,” Archbishop Weisenburger said. “We roll up our sleeves and pull from the root, lest the weeds overtake the crops.
“And because we are entrusted to each other, we don’t just weed; we plant,” Archbishop Weisenburger added. “No matter how inflamed the climate becomes, we tend the soil and plant the seeds of compassion. We invest in our common ground, even when every inch of earth is scorched dry. We know the rain will come again, and we will be ready when it does. For we are entrusted to each other.”
