Seacoast Ministers: It's Time for America to Come Together After Divisive Election

PORTSMOUTH, NH — The results of the presidential election have brought about a reality of mixed emotions. Some celebrate victory and are filled with the hope of writing a brave new chapter in the history of America, others are grieving filled with anxiety and fear of what that chapter may look like. Yet others have become numb to the electoral process as they perceived neither candidate a viable potential president.

This election has been historic in many ways. It is clearly the most divisive in our lifetime. Recent media reports indicate an increase of hate speech and violence in the wake of the election. This is both a national and local phenomenon. The challenge that stands before us is one of uniting America and reconnecting with the values that make our democracy the greatest country in the world.

As spiritual leaders of area faith communities, we are precluded from engaging in partisan politics (1954 Johnson Amendment to the U.S. tax code). This puts our communities in a unique position to bridge the political divide. We shepherd communities that are filled with people of diverse political perspectives. Our communities endeavor to foster a spirit of understanding and unity that brings people closer to each other within the context of their spiritual journey. Our religious beliefs help us understand that we show the ultimate respect for God when we respect each other.

We come together as people of different faith traditions and theologies. We strive to celebrate common values and respect the uniqueness of our respective traditions. We believe that fostering such understanding will help our nation heal and reconnect with the values of our great democracy and the proposition that all human beings are endowed with the right to enjoy equal rights, opportunity and protection under the law.

May we be blessed with the wisdom and strength to come together as “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Submitted by the Ministerium - Seacoast Interfaith Clergy Association:

Reverend Fr. Gary Belliveau, Corpus Christi Parish (RC) – Portsmouth

Reverend Grace P. Burson, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – Newington

Carol Jacques-Dow - Pastoral Associate, Corpus Christi Parish (RC) – Portsmouth

Reverend Arthur L Hilson, New Hope Baptist Church – Portsmouth

Reverend Christopher Holton Jablonski, South Church (UU) – Portsmouth

Reverend Phil Johnson, Seventh Day Adventist Church – Portsmouth

Chaplain Elissa Kaplan Senter, Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Dr Paris Khavari, Baha'i Community –Portsmouth

Reverend Rev Carolyn H Keilig, North Church (UCC) – Portsmouth

Reverand George Koch, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – Newington

Reverend Patty Marsden, Newmarket Community Church

Rev. Jeffrey M. McIlwain, M.Div., North Star AME Zion Church – Newington

Reverend David 'Chip' Robinson, Christ Episcopal Church – Portsmouth; Trinity Episcopal Church – Hampton

Rabbi David Ross Senter, Temple Israel – Portsmouth

Reverend Lauren Smith, South Church (UU) – Portsmouth

Reverend Robert E. Stevens, Jr., St. John's Episcopal Church – Portsmouth

Reverend Betsy Webber , First United Methodist Church – Portsmouth

Reverend Anne Williamson, St. John's Episcopal Church – Portsmouth