How might Jesus vote?

A quick post this week, but an important one.

As of today there are 12 days until we will cast our votes for leaders in our community and nation. I urge you all to pay particular attention to the local races for city officials and school board members. Be an informed voter. One place to begin is the Rochester Post Bulletin.

The United Methodist Church has a resource for this year's elections. It is a booklet covering dozens of issues a national candidate will have to address. . . things like poverty, war, and economic justice. The resource lists the United Methodist position on these issues, as expressed in our Social Principles and Book of Resolutions. Then it lists the official position of the Democratic and Republican parties. You can download it from the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society here.

Here is the summary from the agency that put the guide together.

Who would Jesus vote for in the upcoming election? Only the foolish would hazard a guess. But the New Testament itself is a picture of Jesus’ priorities amid all that clamored for His attention.
Christ’s mission of justice and compassion was extended to all people. As United Methodists, we are called to transform the world. Part of that transformation is made through faithful advocacy, community involvement and holding our leaders accountable.

This guide is intended as a discernment tool for you, your church and your community to evaluate potential leaders and political agendas of the two major parties as they relate to the Social Principles and Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church. As you read through the guide, ask yourself: How do these party platforms align with Church priorities for addressing human need and the integrity of God’s creation? What action might that call us to? What confession must we make about our own selfish priorities?

The United Methodist Church does not advocate a two-party system and we encourage you to seek out details on the variety of political parties and candidates. We have provided highlights based on party platform information available at the time.