On February 27, Ontarians will elect leaders who will be faced with addressing the multiple crises before us. As Anglicans, we understand we are called by scripture and our baptismal covenant to care for our neighbours and the Earth. Participating in elections is one of the ways in which we live out that call.
“Elections offer us an opportunity not only to have a say about our leaders and representatives but also to have conversations about how we can contribute to building a just society where God’s mission of love flourishes,” says Bishop Susan Bell.
The bishop says it’s important more than ever to exercise our democratic rights, as our communities are already facing deepening crises of affordability, inequality and poverty, opioid toxicity, farmland and ecosystem loss, and a failure to meet even our modest emissions targets.
As parishes and missions live out their Mission Action Plans, providing deeply needed outreach initiatives while calling for justice, we witness firsthand the impacts of these growing crises.
The Diocese of Niagara has prepared an election resource developed in collaboration with our neighbours in the Diocese of Toronto. The resource shares how we are called to participate, what we can do, and how we can engage with candidates at your doorstep, on the phone, or through social media to make sure your concerns and values are recognized.
“I invite you to engage with the candidates who seek your vote; to pray for them, and of course, to get out and vote for the common good,” says Bishop Bell.
We have also prepared a bulletin insert to help encourage your church community to engage in prayer, conversation, and action. It is important to think of our unhoused neighbours at this time who with our support can have a say in this election as well. In addition, to the resources above Diane Chan McNally has shared with us the information to share with those who are unhoused so they too may exercise their right to vote.
For more information about how to vote, please visit Elections Ontario.
