And Now a Word from CSPL...
Photo Credit: Culture Strike!
In light of the recent news (the election of Biden and Harris), I wanted to share a few words written by my friends and colleagues at CSPL (the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership) and endorsed by me. Please read and consider getting involved in the work.
After four years of witnessing and experiencing the dehumanizing policies that led to inordinate amounts of deportations, death, and injustice at the hands of the Trump administration, CSPL is deeply relieved that his reign of white supremacy no longer holds the power of the Presidency.
We must absolutely honor the tireless labor of organizers, allies, and community leaders across the country who made this possible. For those who fought endlessly for Black lives, Indigenous rights, immigration, and refugee rights, environmental justice, gender equality, workers’ rights - all throughout a catastrophic pandemic and an immense economic recession, this significant stride forward belongs to you. In addition to being on the front lines of the pandemic, our national progressive movement and our leaders at CSPL struggled endlessly to make sure that every person was counted in the census. Those leaders also made monumental efforts to get out of the vote. That is a true demonstration of united democracy and we must never forget that our struggle does not end with this new Administration. Regardless of our political preference, we can agree that there is great significance in Kamala Harris’ election to the office of Vice Presidency, as the first Black and Asian American woman in Office.
While we are relieved that a Trump Administration is over, we know that there is profound healing that must happen at all levels of our society. The Trump Administration more blatantly exposed the evil wounds of white supremacy and colonialism and their entrenchment in our country. Even with a Biden-Harris Administration, our Creator calls us to continue healing the wounds of racism, sexism, hate, environmental degradation, and capitalism, which will require ongoing, fundamental societal reform at all levels. As such, we are all called to work together in public life to ensure that our public officials respond to and uphold our values and measures. We are also eager to continue our organizing work to address the COVID-19 pandemic, especially its disproportionate impact on our Black and Latinx communities in light of the new administration’s commitments to science-based solutions and measures.
We know that electoral politics are not the only nor the ultimate mode of change in our country, and a new president is not fully indicative of the change we seek in our communities. CSPL member leaders will continue our Spirit-rooted and relentless organizing efforts to create policies and structural changes that align with our values. We recommit ourselves to our guiding principles and ask that our members, and all people of faith, do the same. We hold hope in a more just presidency, while simultaneously committing ourselves to work actively to answer. Pope Francis’ call in his recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, in which he fervently urges leaders to move beyond themselves and build a universal love that affirms the worth of every human person. Building a Church which “fills a public role over and above her charitable and educational activities,” is not a sentimental idea, but is a moral obligation, as Pope Francis asserts. As the hands of God, each one of us is invited to co-create the Reign of God here and now. The struggle for justice continues.
Action Items
The coming days will require reflection and processing of the election outcomes. Continue you to ground yourself in spiritual and religious practices. Celebrate the work of organizers and the repudiation of white supremacy. Soon, however, action must resume. Here are four steps that you can take to answer the call for justice with action.
Foster time for prayer today or this week. Ask God, “what is this moment calling me to do?” “What do I need to center and ground myself for the work and struggle ahead?
Become a member of CSPL and get involved by joining us at our membership meeting on Nov 18, where we’ll be reflecting on this election and the road ahead!
Attend one of our upcoming leadership and community organizing training in 2021. Register here!
Meet with a CSPL staff member to learn more about our organization and how to get involved. For more information, email info@csplaction.org.