Asking the Clergy: Helping those disappointed by the election

With Election Day in the rearview mirror, some may be celebrating, others may be unhappy and many may be frustrated with a delay in the results as well as questions about their validity. This week’s clergy discuss how faith leaders can help voters process their feelings and maintain civility in a highly divisive political environment.

The Rev. Ray Bagnuolo

Pastor, Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ

We don’t worship elections or their outcomes. We strive to live life in a way that reflects God’s love — no matter the conditions. We care for those who need our help, lifting our voices for those who are silenced.

Yes, elections might increase the work we have to do, but they don’t change our practice. Our heart compass guides us to others with the spirit pointing the way. We do as we always do: deal with our disappointments, trust God and help others. None of that is on the ballot. Neither are we held captive or hostage to elections and their outcomes. We stay true to our covenant of doing what needs to be done, from caring for our families and communities to protecting the Earth that supports all life as we know it. We remain grateful to be able to serve, even when disappointed.

Today as every day, following the people’s vote, we embrace the greatest commandments from Matthew: “You must love the Most High God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “You must love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). That’s not up for a vote. Neither is God’s love for us all.  

The Rev. Omotayo Cole Cineus

Pastor, Salem African Methodist Episcopal Church, Roslyn

Counseling my congregation through election outcomes begins with the reminder found in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The government is on the shoulders of something much greater than any election outcome: the right to vote and the ability to express your voice through voting. When we vote, there is an expectation that our bubbled circles, our efforts and, ultimately, our decision whom to vote for, all matter.

But it is our faith that matters and will give us peace. Our vote and our beliefs should be aligned. Does your choice reflect where you find joy and peace within yourself? Counseling one who is disappointed in election results is more a discussion about the individual than the success of a particular political party. It’s about the heart of the person, not the competition of candidates.

Cast your ballot and be at peace. You voted for the person you believed to be the best choice. As the Donnie
McClurkin song, “Stand,” says: “After you’ve done all you can / You just stand.”  

Rabbi Jack Dermer

Temple Beth Torah, Westbury  

For many of the Jews I counsel, disappointment around election results is not only a question of emotional support, but of physical safety. Antisemitic rhetoric is on the rise across the American political spectrum.

Members of far-right groups, including politicians, are not shy about publicly espousing their hateful replacement theory and the despicable conspiracies about Jewish people. Far-left groups are equally vocal in their anti-Zionism, which is not inherently antisemitic, but nonetheless often gives rise to verbal and physical attacks on Jews. When it comes to elections, it is sad to know that so often Jews have to ask ourselves not only which candidate we prefer, but which candidate is less likely to inspire constituents to hate me, or to plan, God forbid, an attack on a synagogue.

My advice for all those who may be disappointed in election results is to remain civil. Let us argue for the sake of truth, let us debate what is right, and let us resist the urge to fall into stereotyping, divisive rhetoric or childish ad hominem attacks. Let’s preserve our American dream as we strive to live up to our higher natures, each of us, children of God.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated Rabbi Jack Dermer's congregation.