
Dear Friends,
Let me say off the top: I am hesitant to get political, recognizing, particularly in this role as pastor, how politics so often leads to division. As such, I will never tell you how to vote and I firmly believe church and state should remain separate. That said, as a pastor, I cannot ignore how the political landscape of the US is affecting the mental and spiritual well-being of our own community—let alone those directly impacted by these policies. Over the past two weeks, many of you have shared your unease with me, and I sense a growing heaviness. Every headline seems to bring fresh reasons for concern, uncertainty, and even despair. To simply turn away from it all because “pastors shouldn’t do politics” would be an abdication of the call to engage with the world that is.
So with that said, to name the elephant in the room: American politics be crazy and with the craziness, there is a real sense of instability and fear concerning, among other things, the future of democracy, the plight of the vulnerable and the witness of the Church. Even if some of these issues do not yet directly affect us here in Canada, we need to acknowledge this reality and respond with wisdom, compassion, and courage. And we can begin by learning how to handle the barrage of depressing news hitting us.
I don’t know what your social media algorithms look like, but I dare say most of our newsfeeds are screaming at us that things are bleak. Whether this is a shock-and-awe strategy or whether there is justification behind some of these policies, the fact remains: real people—many of them among the most vulnerable—are being affected. Families are being separated, people are losing access to basic needs, and the weight of division is pressing heavily on communities. Witnessing the Church’s complicity and even support of selfish “me first” ideologies that are emphatically anti-Christ is deeply disheartening, a betrayal of the Gospel’s call to selflessness, justice, and love. It is a sobering reminder of how easily faith can be co-opted for power rather than lived out in service to the least among us.
Bruce Cockburn sings, “You gotta kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight,” and I can’t think of a better anthem for this moment. As people of faith, we’re people of hope which means in spite of the prevailing darkness, not just our witness, but our well-being and ability to breathe depends on the necessity to see cracks that let the light in. But light isn’t passive—it’s something we seek out and expose. Cracks in the darkness come through pressure. And pressure comes through courage. Fortunately, there is no shortage of courage if we have eyes to see it.
Perhaps the most compelling story in recent days is that of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. At the National Cathedral prayer service following the inauguration, she directly addressed the President, urging him to “have mercy” on the vulnerable, emphasizing the fear and suffering of those affected by his policies. Watching this bold appeal for justice and compassion lifted my spirit. It was a powerful reminder that darkness does not win, and it changed the tone of my entire day.
In another instance, faith leaders across the U.S. have taken a stand against new immigration policies by reaffirming their commitment to offering sanctuary to undocumented migrants. Despite significant risks, these churches have chosen to protect the vulnerable, declaring that no policy should strip people of their dignity or humanity. Their bravery is yet another crack in the darkness, letting light pour through.
These instances of light breaking through won’t dominate our newsfeeds—because, as the saying goes, “if it doesn’t bleed, it doesn’t lead.” But they are happening. As this reality continues to unfold, we’ll need to learn to live in the tension of dark and light. Burying our heads in the sand is not the way forward, but neither is doom-scrolling ourselves into despair. The balance, I suspect, lies in paying attention to our own mental and spiritual well-being and being disciplined to make the changes needed.
Personally, I admit I haven’t been doing so hot as of late. The weight of it all has been heavy. So the last few days I’ve been intentionally seeking out stories of kindness, acts of justice, and moments of courage—glimpses of light breaking through. I am taking to heart Fred Rogers’ famous words: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” I am making it a discipline to look for the helpers, to find the slivers of hope in this bleak reality. And honestly… it’s helping!
As people of faith, kicking at the darkness and pursuing light isn’t just a survival tactic—it is part of who we are. Hope is not passive; it is something we choose to engage with, like any other spiritual discipline. Prayer, scripture, and fasting require intentionality. What if, in this season of turmoil, we also committed to the discipline of seeking out and amplifying stories of courage, acts of grace, and other moments of light? And beyond that, what if we actively participated in them—joining efforts that expose darkness and bring hope to those struggling to find it in our own community?
While the weight of the world’s troubles is real, despair doesn’t get the final say for people of hope like us. My prayer is that in the days ahead, we will be a community that can concede hardship and yet cling to hope. May we be lights in dark places, voices of peace in troubled times, and bearers of hope no matter what the headlines say.
With faith and encouragement,
Pastor Steve
Well Said! AMEN
‘Yes’ to enlarging the cracks in the dark facade around us! Yrs, there are signs of hope. And let’s get more perspective: a whole lot of the old testament and the new was written in much more dire, distressing times even than ours, if you look at how it felt to be there at the time.
Israel was invaded and utterly destroyed, along with God’s temple. Christians were thrown in jail and executed by a seemingly all-powerful state.
We have so many riches of hope in the Bible. Psalm 2, Psalm 96 show that God’s authority and plans are far, far above those of the scheming nations. Colossians attempts to paint word-pictures of the ascended, reigning Christ, far above all other authority, intimately involved with his people to bless them and make them a blessing.
And so on. Let’s fix our minds on things above. Today’s dire headlines don’t induce panic in heaven, not at all. Compassion, maybe derisive laughter. God’s got this.
Well said. I know this can definitely be a divisive topic. Fine balance. But koodos (sp?) for addressing the elephant.
Thanks Steve 🙏🏻
A few years ago, just before the Covid lockdowns, I was boarding a plane at midnight in Toronto Pearson Airport to Mexico City when suddenly the bridge to the airplane was filled with police officers each escorting a Mexican person. They were deporting almost a whole plane load. I felt so sad for these women and men who had high hopes of being in our country,Canada, and were now being herded onto a plane like criminals. But there was no outcry. No mention in the news. As far as I ever heard. And I doubt this is an isolated occurrence.
Now in my farming neighbourhood we have some men from Mexico who are working and it is not easy for them to work in the cold and send money home and face loneliness and isolation. My response can be compassion in the way of food and mitts, coffee and warm smiles. We can all do something. We aren’t asked to change American policy or agree with it but we are asked to shine the light of Jesus where and when we can. And look at our own country and address inequities when possible or at least be willing to talk about them.
Thank you for thoughtful discussion.
Thanks AliceMarie – what a helpful perspective to uphold in these dark times. We’re not powerless at all, despite what it might look like on the surface. Thanks for being a light and such an example in your own way. You and Fritz are always so inspiring!
Thanks so much for this thoughtful and encouraging message! It’s easy to shy away from topics that cause stress and division, so grateful for your courage in that way. Much needed during this time!
Thanks Rachelle! These are thorny issues and definitely potential for division so trying to discern always how much to weigh in on is important but sometimes it’s totally necessary. Hope you and Jon are doing well!