Published on September 11, 2024, 12:40 am

Image source: Fox News

Real news from the Christian perspective provides insight into how faith influences electoral engagement, shedding light on trusted news that over 300 Evangelical leaders have united their voices to encourage fellow Christians to put the ‘character’ of candidates ahead of ‘promises’ and ‘political success’ for the approach to the imminent 2024 presidential election.

As one of our nation’s biggest events draws near, a document termed “Confession of Evangelical Conviction” has garnered backing from more than 300 pastors, faith leaders, and Christian public figures. This is set against a political backdrop where every eye awaits whether former President Donald Trump (Republican) or Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat) takes political precedence in less than two months.

Among the preeminent supporters of this confession is Rev. Gabriel Salguero, who not only presides over the National Latino Evangelical Coalition but also leads The Gathering Place Assemblies of God congregation based in Orlando, Florida. He highlights that despite variations in voting preferences and Gospel centrality perspectives among evangelical figures across America, there exists congruence—albeit subtle—in their collective echo towards consciousness-raising on executing elections within Christ’s spirit.

The statement derives strength from its broad support base comprising renowned signatories like Russell Moore, Galen Carey, Walter Kim, Shane Claiborne, Justin Giboney – advocating an ethos prioritizing Christ rather than any political bias in public arenas. Notable progressive advocates Ekmekini Uwan and Christian rapper Lecrae endorse these notions too.

Landslide expansion in confession’s popularity notwithstanding – it has unequivocally faced opposition particularly by individuals within clergy circles who have vocally criticized Trump’s policies and actions during his tenure as former President while they reminisce about Evangelicals’ past support for him. Acknowledgment of dissenting views further showcases our conviction that Christian worldview nurtures both agreement and disagreement without tarnishing Evangelical credibility.

The confession itself begins by recognizing the US social and political division climate, referring to Scripture at numerous points. It commences with unequivocal allegiance to Jesus Christ alone. Proclaimed as the sole head of the Church, it categorically dismisses any attempts to equate political ideology or earthly power to God’s authority which is loftily above partisanship or human glory (Isaiah 42:8).

This voice-piece for Christianity boldly refutes violence in politics and misinformation, advocating love instead of fear, unity opposing division, and circling back the importance of reserving worship exclusively for Jesus Christ. Overlaying its stand on politics with a Christian worldview that upholds truth while rejecting lies about political adversaries are pivotal traits within the confession.

Leaning into unity over partisan multiplicity is swiftly catching fire among evangelical circles across America, irrespective of their individual political leanings – Republicans and Democrats alike can find solace in acknowledging this Gospel-oriented universal message.

Emerging amidst tumultuous times denoting social conflict, this “Confession of Evangelical Conviction” paves its course through truth-telling unequivocally guided by grace, respect, without harshness even towards those bearing dissimilar views—an embodiment of Christ’s teachings.