An Open letter on the Election

An Open Letter to the Congregation following the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America

I have thought long and hard about what to say on this day.

First, after sixteen years in this congregation I am fully aware of the range of political opinions in this church. As I said at our Wednesday night worship, some of you are overjoyed, others are depressed, and some of you just want to know when Tom Brady will be back so the Patriots can start winning again. So, I write this letter fully aware of the vast range of liberal Democrats, moderate Independents and Conservative Republicans that we hold within this faith community.

I believe that regardless of ones political opinion, we all must recognize the historical significance of this moment in our time. Since the first African man was put in chains on a pirate ship bound for a life of slavery in the new world, through the struggles and violence of the Civil War and on into the Civil Rights movement; race relations in these United States have been at best a strain, and at worst a Sin of the highest order. The fact that this country has chosen in the most significant expression of democracy- namely the freedom to choose through the ballot box - to elect an African American President of the United States of America is profound.

I personally was deeply moved on Tuesday evening.

While Mr. Obama’s election will not solve the racial divide that remains in our land, it does something of great significance. His presence as the elected leader of this democracy, with our long and sad history of racial strife, signifies a step into a new time.

As the late Historian of Religion Joseph Campbell once remarked, when asked how deep and significant change comes to civilizations, he said, “If you really want something new, change the metaphor.” In other words, when the images, the symbols, that define our worldview are changed, then we begin to see a new era emerge. Mr. Obama’s election indeed, changes the metaphor.

Now, I have read enough history, and I am enough of a Christian to be fully cognizant that we live in a world of imperfection. So I know that progress often comes with steps forward and steps backward.

But, at this moment in history, it is my belief that we should pause, and acknowledge the significance of what has happened.

Regardless of your own political persuasion, I believe that the one thing we all can come together on is a desire, perhaps even a prayer, that this will be a successful presidency, not because of a preference for certain policies, but because I believe we are all hoping for the best for this country of ours, and this earth of God’s.

Sincerely

Pastor Jim Hazelwood
November 9, 2008