Diane Randall, Executive Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), made the following statement on the results of the 2018 midterm elections:
“The midterm election tells us that participatory democracy matters. Civility matters. Despite the invectives and threats that President Trump emphasized in his campaigning, Americans reject the vilification of people based on religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender.”
“It is our fervent hope that this new Congress will support policies and legislation for ALL Americans and turn back the forces of intolerance, racism, white supremacy, and incivility that plague our nation. America needs national unity, not nationalism. It needs hope in a future for our children and for a peaceful world.”
“This midterm exposed the raw fissures that divide us. The dark forces that marginalize and harm people today are making us weak. Countering this malignancy requires our political leaders to speak out for people’s freedom to practice religion without fear; for citizens’ right to vote without obstacles; for every person’s right to healthcare; for a country that promotes peace, diplomacy and the rule of law. Congress can exert positive leadership rather than destructive division.”
“As Quakers, we consistently try to speak truth to power. We try to see that of God in every person. People of faith and people who live from an ethical and moral basis try to #Lovethyneighbor (no exceptions). This is a message for all of us, no matter how difficult after this election.”
“However, elections are only one indicator of the health of our democracy and the state of our society. Just as important is the persistent engagement of people with our government, no matter who holds the power of elective office. We need to be engaged as the everyday prophets whose lives and witness project hope amid disappointments and the political maelstrom of today.”
“This is the bedrock of our democracy. It is not won or lost in one election. Rather, it needs to be continually tested, strengthened, and rebuilt to survive.”
“As people of faith, we are reminded of our prophetic witness for truth in times of deep division—over slavery, over women’s suffrage, over war. We faithfully stand together with people of good will to work for a world without war, with equity and justice, where every person’s potential is fulfilled, and the earth is restored.”
For more information, please visit www.fcnl.org.
Founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL lobbies Congress and the administration for U.S. policies that advance peace, justice, and good government.
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