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Back in my prairie preaching days, I was called to a small rural church located in what Albertans fondly referred to as the “Bible Belt.”  They were rewarding times for me as the United Church offered safe haven and a like minded community for those of us who are of a more liberal theological ilk than your run of the mill Church on Sunday, Bible Belt Christian; many of whom are both theologically and politically conservative.  Since some of their beliefs could not be substantiated by scripture, they were fond of placing them under the “Traditional Family Values” umbrella.  

Which was all well and good except I facilitated a monthly ecumenical church school on the afternoon that local teachers had their Professional Development Day – called Third Tuesday Kids (3TK).  It was awesome to gather with up to 30 elementary school age children from all and no faiths for an afternoon of fun and Christian Education until one fateful afternoon when children from the church down the block showed up with their “What Would Jesus Do?”  (WWJD) bracelets.   

Not to be outdone, the next month, our 3TK group was beading WWJD bracelets to beat the band and using them to teach United Church values around family, inclusivity and the environment. It actually worked well, but even to this day I find the whole WWJD a bit corny!  

But as I have been morbidly watching and fascinated by the ongoing antics of both the American and Canadian political systems as they try to choose new leaders for their parties and possible upcoming elections, I had a brilliant idea.  What if all the adults started to wear WWJD bracelets and actually took the teachings of the Gospel seriously?   

Now, I know there are many who believe that politics have no place in church, but I wonder, “What Gospel are they reading?”  Jesus was one of the most political humans in our history.  He was committed to not only transforming personal lives, but the overthrow of institutions that were committed to governance through dominance and violence rather than through  peace and justice.  

Whether the political question is about equality for all humans, the environment, or the basic human rights of housing, health care, clean air and water, nutrition and education; we simply need to ask the question as people of faith – What Would Jesus Do?  Yes, it is pretty corny but we would soon be able to articulate what we are looking for in our leaders and in our governments, as we observe the American election and participate in our own democracy, here in Canada.  

If you’re struggling with remembering that our faith is what guides our life – I’m sure I could find some children to make you a bracelet ---WWJD!  

Amen