Post-election statement from Pax Christi USA

Isaac Chandler

Elections are a snapshot of who we are and what we value. In this election, the majority of voters made a choice that emphasized the importance of civility and decency in our politics. Pax Christi USA extends our congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and we offer our prayers that their leadership might be guided by a commitment to pursue the "things that make for peace" (Lk 19:42) and the justice which must be the foundation of efforts toward reconciliation and healing.

Pax Christi USA especially shares in the great joy that many in our nation are feeling with the election of the first woman of color as our Vice President-Elect. The achievement of Vice President-Elect Harris fans the flame of hope that the transformational work for equity and justice for all marches on.

In this moment of hope, Pax Christi USA pledges to continue our work in challenging our nation's leaders to live up to the values and ideals that must find purchase not only in speeches and rhetoric but in our nation's policies and actions. We will continue to advocate for the positions laid out in our "Statement of Principles" prepared for this election and meant to guide our work moving forward. Our witness is to the gospel message of Jesus, that our responsibility is to love God through loving our neighbour, both near and far, with a preferential option for those who are impoverished and suffering.

In the days ahead, we look forward to engaging with President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris and the new administration. We hold them, our nation and the entire world in prayer as we advocate and work for that justice which affirms the dignity of all human beings, individually and collectively, and assures peace for all creation.

Isaac Chandler, National Council Chair of Pax Christi USA said: "As we move on from the election, I anticipate that we'll need patience and a willingness to continue in this struggle. The problems and issues our nation faces didn't occur overnight and they won't disappear because of a change in the White House. We need to be ready to work ourselves to create change, building coalitions within our movement as well as with other groups as we seek new allies."