Clergy members say vote with your heart

As Elgin prepares for an election April 5, we who lead religious congregations are aware of the diverse opinions each person will take with him or her into the voting booth.

We would not presume to be experts on all issues, but we do call upon everyone to examine their minds and hearts before casting a ballot. It is our sincere desire that our fellow citizens will not be driven by fear of those who are different, but by love for all of God’s children; not by assigning blame, but by accepting responsibility; not by the question of “What’s in it for me?” but by the question of “What’s best for everyone?”

It seems to us that honest, sincere dialogue in our nation has been replaced by vitriol spewed in anger at one another from both ends of the political and social spectrum. Our hope and vision is that Elgin becomes a place where such a trend begins to be reversed. This is a lofty goal and it will require that we appeal to the best within us, starting with this upcoming election.

The Progressive Clergy of Elgin

The Rev. Dan Brosier, Unitarian Universalist Church

The Rev. Audrey deCoursey, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren

Marlene Daubert, Diaconal Minister, Zion Lutheran Church

The Rev. Paris Donehoo, First Congregational Church

The Rev. Karen Schlack, First Presbyterian Church