As election season heats up, United Methodists represent the breadth of political opinions and parties but have always valued learning from each other and engaging in civil and respectful dialogue even in disagreement.
As United Methodists and local churches look for resources to help in these discussions, Bishop Sue, VAUMC Cabinet and conference staff will update this webpage with resources and invite clergy and lay persons to continue to educate themselves and be strong Christian advocates in the upcoming presidential election season.
In October 2024, major resources will be released every week.
Current Resources
Bishop Sue encourages self-education as election season heats up in this Sept. 10 video.
Bishop Sue encourages United Methodists to take advantage of the gift of voting, to recognize their own echo chambers while striving for a balanced view, and to fact check resources before sharing on social media during this political season.
How is it with our soul? A conversation ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election draws nearer, the VAUMC will share resources with the conference on topics ranging from how to have hard conversations to the impact on community organizing and advocacy in light of the current social and political climate, a climate that local churches and individuals must navigate as people of faith.
In this conversation, Dr. James C. Howell, Senior Pastor of Myers Park UMC in Charlotte, N.C., talks with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page, VAUMC DCM for Innovation & Creativity, on the things Christians can be unified on and considering the soul of The United States.
Mountain View District leads “3Practices for Crossing the Difference Divide”
Dr. Sarah Calvert, District Superintendent of the mountain View District, contributed to this article.
This summer, the clergy in the Mountain View District read the 3Practices for Crossing the Difference Divide book. They discussed the lessons learned in this post-disaffiliation, pre-election season of possible conflicts. They invited 12 people from neighboring districts to become trained referees in this process. The newly trained referees modeled the process at a Mountain View clergy meeting, followed by the clergy joining in a circle to experience the process themselves.
It was a very powerful clergy meeting, with several levels of conflict and hurt placed on the table. The process was healing and was immediately useful in many different ways. Mountain View District invites you to learn more about the 3Practices by joining a Zoom meeting this fall. View all of the topics…
How would John Wesley vote?
from the General Board of Church & Society
The United Methodist Board of Church and Society isn’t trying to tell you who to vote for, but the folks there definitely want you to think it over carefully, with the help of information they are providing about United Methodist values. Read More
6 weeks of Clergy Prayer Gathering during Elections
This message is from Rev. Kim Barker-Brugman
Find a safe space to gather and pray as you lead your congregations and other ministry settings during this election season. Join on Zoom – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5. Grab your candle and your favorite hot beverage and take an hour of Sabbath time. Come when you can. Contact Kim for access…
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) offers resources, information
Find out important dates related to the election, find out if you are registered to vote, learn how you can volunteer and more. Read More
Conversation on Conflict Transformation
As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election draws nearer, the VAUMC will share resources with the conference on topics ranging from how to have hard conversations to the impact on community organizing and advocacy in light of the current social and political climate, a climate that local churches and individuals must navigate as people of faith. More conversations are coming this month.
In this conversation, Rev. Jacob Alan Cook, Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics and Co-Director of The Shalom Collaboratory at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, talks with Madeline White, VAUMC Director of Communications, on conflict transformation.
from the General Board of Church & Society
This comprehensive voter toolkit is designed to equip us with the tools and knowledge necessary to engage in the electoral process faithfully and effectively. Read More
Rev. Andy Stanley addresses Georgia House of Representatives in 2022 on disunity and moving away from the extremes in politics.