PC(USA) election vigil affirms need to keep working and praying for justice

Stated Clerk/Executive Director and co-moderators join advocacy offices for Election Night program

by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service

The Rev. Jihyun Oh (Photo by Rich Copley)

LOUISVILLE — In a nonpartisan vigil that provided a brief respite on what was an anxious night for many voters, the Rev. Jihyun Oh cried out to “the God of peace and justice” for the fortitude to keep doing the work that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long pursued.

“Save those who call upon your name, for we are crying out for justice,” said Oh, Executive Director and Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. “We are yearning for what is right, longing for your peace and acting according to what you have shown us through your son, Jesus Christ. Keep us working and praying for the day when justice will roll down like waters and your righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Keep us working and praying, standing with those who seek peace, challenging hatred and violence, caring for all of your beloved Creation, loving all of your beloved children, following in the way of Christ, being transformed into the likeness of Christ, working toward the wholeness of the world and of ourselves.”

Oh was among a handful of church leaders, including both co-moderators, who joined the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations for the nearly half-hour vigil, which took place before the outcome of the presidential and down-ballot elections began to crystallize.

The Rev. Christina Cosby (Photo by Tammy Warren)

During opening remarks, the Rev. Christina Cosby, OPW Representative for Domestic Issues & Environmental Justice, explained the purpose of the vigil by saying, “We’re here to create a space that’s welcoming to all, a sanctuary in the midst of a busy day, where we can pause, breathe and center ourselves in God — the God who created each of us in the divine image, God who holds us close in all things, and God that loves us beyond all measures, no matter where you come from — North, South, East or West.”

Co-moderator the Rev. Tony Larson acknowledged, “We are exhausted physically, emotionally, spiritually, and we are anxious that even as the polls close over the next several hours and the counting begins, that the end of this election may still be days away, and some of us are fearful that there may be violence, and so Lord, we pray, grant us wisdom and grant us courage for the living of these days.”

The Rev. CeCe Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson were elected co-moderators of the the 226th General Assembly in July. (Photo by Rich Copley)

Larson would conclude by saying, “We are hopeful that when each vote is cast, when the results are determined, that amidst all of the emotions, excitement, disappointment, anger, surprise, ambivalence, that in city halls, county government buildings, state houses and the Capitol building, oaths of office will be taken, and peaceful transfers of power will take place, and these leaders we elect will get to work serving the common good of each person and communities all across our nation.”

He was followed by fellow co-moderator the Rev. CeCe Armstrong, who recalled the angelic words that the shepherds heard after Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid.”

“Lord, as we seek hope and peace and joy and love, as we await the coming of what’s to come and as we wait for you, help us to hear wholeheartedly … not to be afraid, for you are with us,” she said.

Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (Photo by Rich Copley)

Praying in Spanish, Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, co-moderator of the 223^rd General Assembly (2018), asked God for transparency and calm during the vote counting, fairness in the work done, and respect in the process and the results. She also noted that the outcome of U.S. elections could have far-reaching consequences.

“God, we know that the decisions made today affect not only people in the U.S.A. but also people in other countries,” Cintrón-Olivieri prayed. “May you grant wisdom to those elected, compassion and love as they lead, placing people first, tending to the vulnerable, listening to the groups that have been historically silenced and act accordingly and joining others around the world in the work of peace.”

The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, PC(USA) advocacy director, spoke of voting as an act of faithfulness and prayed that voters’ choices would benefit laborers in need of a living wage, immigrants in need of tolerance and acceptance and people in the grips of poverty, war and injustice, and also benefit the environment. He went on to pray, “Guide our nation, O Lord, and help us be your hands and feet in this world, committed to building a future that honors you and uplifts all of your children.”

The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins (Photo by Rich Copley)

Various scriptures were read by representatives of OPW and PMUN — Ivy Lopedito, Sue Rheem, Catherine Gordon and Emily Allen — throughout the vigil, which concluded with Oh, praying.

“God,” she said, “may it be that whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing to you, whatever is commendable, anything that is excellent and worthy of praise, give us courage and faith to keep on doing these things, trusting in you, going where you have already gone ahead of us, being faithful and hopeful for what you are doing in the world. In Christ’s name, Amen.”

To view a recording of the vigil, go here.

The Office of Public Witness and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations are part of the Compassion, Peace and Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.