We, clergy members who have been called on to offer reflections, blessings and words of wisdom at inaugurations, swearing-in ceremonies and services for various elected political leaders, would like to offer some perspective on recent developments surrounding the prayer service at the National Cathedral and the response from the president — with the hope of furthering important public discussions about the role of faith in our society.
Those who drafted, edited and voted on our country’s founding documents left us with a treasure of letters, diaries, columns and other writings to give us insight into their thinking. These individuals had studied the governments of ancient Greece and Rome, read a variety of philosophers and knew the Scripture of the Jewish and Christian traditions. The part of Scripture that seems to have provided the most context in the administration of governing a society is Deuteronomy. This is the book in which Moses outlines how this new nation of immigrants should organize themselves. A significant portion of this book is devoted to very practical matters to help a community operate well, from how to handle legal disputes (what is fair compensation when your neighbor’s animal bites your child?) to how much authority certain offices should have.
While many credit Thomas Jefferson with developing the concept of separation of church and state, it looks like Deuteronomy established it first. You see, Moses was the political leader for this new nation of Israel, and Aaron was the priest who provided the spiritual leadership. This model was followed for centuries, with political leaders (Saul, David, Solomon, etc.) and spiritual leaders (Samuel, Nathan, Ahijah, etc.) serving alongside them.
Throughout the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, we see example after example of priests and prophets not only providing wise counsel to the political rulers but also harsh rebuke and calls for reform.
This past month, as we have been called on to offer prayers, reflections, blessings and sermons at events throughout Delaware for our newly elected federal, state, county and municipal leaders, we have taken that responsibility seriously and have used words from our faith traditions to encourage these leaders to serve all the people in our community, to provide justice and, in some cases, to reform how their government office treats the most vulnerable in our society.
To be clear, the role of faith leaders in our country is to inspire and encourage the people and policies that line up with our faith traditions and to confront and challenge the people and policies that cause harm to any of our neighbors. The role of faith leaders is not to simply bless and encourage everything a political leader says or does, and it is not to be a spiritual rubber-stamp for any political leader.
The message delivered by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Cathedral is no different than the message we offered to the men and women elected as our political leaders in Delaware.
We stand with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, and we encourage those who are criticizing her to take some time to study both the writings of our country’s Founders and the Scripture on which she based her sermon.
We will continue to offer counsel, we will continue to provide comfort when needed, and we will continue to be faithful in our duty to speak out against policies that harm any in our community.
Rabbi Michael S. Beals
Chair, Delaware Interfaith Council, and rabbi, Temple Beth El, Newark
Rabbi Yair D. Robinson
Congregation Beth Emeth, Wilmington
The Rev. Patrick Burke
Rector, The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington
Pramod Mathur
Hindu author and congregation leader,
Hindu Temple of Delaware, Hockessin
Overseer Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker II
Mother African Union Church, Wilmington
Jack “Tsani” Sanders
Wilmington Diocese and Delaware Indigenous people commissioner
The Rev. Thomas C. Davis
Commissioned interfaith peacemaker, New Castle Presbytery,
and president, Interfaith Veterans Workgroup
The Rev. Chelsea Spyres
Riverfront Ministries, Wilmington
The Rev. Eric C. Markman
Concord Presbyterian Church, Wilmington
The Rev. Dr. Stephany Graham Walker
Transitional pastor, Hanover Presbyterian Church, Wilmington
Charanjeet Singh Minhas
Founder and chair, Delaware Sikh Coalition
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.