Discernment and Hope during the Presidential Elections 2022

By Jacinda Stahly

Before the June 19, 2022 second round of presidential elections in Colombia, I spoke with two women from the Mennonite Brethren church here in Chocó about their process of Biblical discernment regarding their vote, how important it is for the church to maintain unity in the body of Christ despite differing political views, and their hopes for the new president.

To begin, I asked each of them which Scripture verses have guided them as they pray for the elections and discern how to vote. Pastor María* reminded us that “as we know, the Bible is the spiritual book that gives us understanding and teaches us how to apply justice in the midst of this hostile world in which we live.” Among many other biblical texts, Pastor María has been guided by Proverbs 28, specifically verses 2, 15-16, and 27, which speak about the differences between a Godly government and an ungodly one:

“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.” – Proverbs 28:27 NLT

“A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.” – Proverbs 28:15-16 NLT

“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.” – Proverbs 28:2 NLT

Sister Luz* answered that, “As I read and think about the possibility of a new president, I rest in the Lord and trust in his word when he says in Daniel 2:21 that he is the one who removes and sets kings. Although I feel uncertain about the options to choose, because they generate distrust, my confidence is that God has already chosen the best for Colombia.” Luz will have confidence in God’s will no matter which candidate wins. “I trust that he will be someone who fears God, so that the word of Proverbs 29:2 will be fulfilled, which says that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.”

Our next topic of conversation was regarding unity in the body of Christ. For me, this is especially important in light of the many divisions between Christians which prevent us from viewing our sisters and brothers with the love of Christ. Although there have always been, and will always be, huge differences in theology and politics (including within the Anabaptist communities and inside of individual churches), we are called to live together in love and peace, acknowledging that we are all part of the same body of Christ, in spite of what the world tells us are insurmountable differences.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” – Colossians 3:12-15 NLT

In answer to the question about how sisters and brothers in the faith should speak to each other regarding politics, Luz stated, “We must relate to each other in a respectful and tolerant manner, knowing that although we think differently, our unity must be in one faith, one Lord and one baptism.” Pastor María added, “As the body of Christ, our relationship of brotherhood should be one of respect and love. Voting should not divide us, because we are united in Jesus Christ.”

In closing, I asked about what changes the women hoped to see under the new president. Because Colombia is a country with much inequality and conflict, both women spoke about how they hope the new government will focus on protecting human rights, and giving people who are usually overlooked the chance to live in safety and find decent jobs so that they too can prosper. Sister Luz answered that as a Christian her hope “is that laws will be promoted which protect human rights, which bring inclusion and non-discrimination, and which can lead the Colombian people to unity, peace and reconciliation.”

The change that Pastor María would like to see under the new president “is that [he will] look more to the less-favored class (the poor, children, women heads of household, higher education for young people, job opportunities, no more murders, etc).” Looking forward to the next four years, it is clear that change is wanted and needed in Chocó and in Colombia. Our prayer is that the next president and vice president will lead with Godly wisdom, peacefully, without corruption, and focused on bringing changes which benefit the people and communities who are pleading for peace and safety, climate justice, access to healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.

* Names have been changed to protect the identity of interviewees.