Vote Common Good holds Faith and Democracy Rally in West Jefferson

WEST JEFFERSON — Vote Common Good, a nonprofit of interdenominational faith leaders made a stop on their 50-state bus tour in West Jefferson on Sunday, July 14, to recognize candidates for political office who had signed the Vote Common Good Pledge.

Ben Massey, candidate for NC House of Representatives and Tanya Robinson and Nancy Beth Weaver, candidates for Ashe County Commissioner, met with Common Good leaders and an enthusiastic crowd of interested local voters about the need to mobilize people of faith to make the common good their voting criteria.

Singer-songwriter Daniel Deitrich expressed a message of Faith, Hope, and Love through song and Doug Pagitt explained the Vote Common Good message for voters who are experiencing a reckoning of their faith and feel called to oppose policies and approaches of division, racism, selfishness, cruelty, and exclusion.

In light of the tragic loss of life and serious injury caused by a gunman at an event for former President Donald Trump, the assembly paused to remember the individuals and families involved and to denounce all violence in this time of polarization in our nation. A moment of silent prayer and a flag at half-mast were the symbols of the day.

Vote Common Good works to help people of both political parties engage Common Good religiously oriented voters in ways that will benefit their political expression and not allow religion to be a wedge issue in our politics. The Vote Common Good Pledge for voters requires that good hearted people of all religious traditions cannot simply vote for what is best for themselves as individuals or even what is best for their religion, party, race, or nation alone, but must be concerned for the common good. Or to put it differently, selfish people of every religion and tradition vote for self-interest or partisan interest alone, but good people of every religion vote for the common good. Attendees signed the sides of the bus with uplifting messages and promises to act on behalf of the common good.

Vote Common Good and The Greater Things Foundation also hosts seminars that aim to shed light on the intersection of faith, politics, and the dangers posed by the rise of Christian Nationalism. More information about the Vote Common Good movement and Vote Common Good Candidates can be found at www.votecommongood.com/.