Message from Pastor Jerry Cho

Dear friends in Christ,
     We live in a society where the political climate affects our lives more than we realize. We cannot be apolitical because even our silence can be complicity in a situation where we need to take a stand for our Christian ideals. I read in the news that a Catholic priest in Lacrosse said that Catholics who would vote for a Democrat will go to hell. I guarantee you that no one will go to hell whether you would vote for a Democrat or a Republican because the Bible says in Romans 8:38, “Nothing will separate us from the love of God.”
     As the pastor of SUMC, I would like to share a few thoughts about the upcoming presidential election. First, let us prioritize our identities. We are Christians, first; Americans, second; and our political affiliations, third. In that order. We have to let our Christian ideals of justice, peace, and love guide our political decisions. Jesus said, “Man lives not by bread (economy) alone, but by every word (morality) that proceeds from the mouth of God.” We want a strong economy. But we also want strong morality. Economy and morality will be the two wings of the future of America. As the saying goes, “America is great because America is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”   
     Second, let us not be fooled by the news media. Whether CNN or Fox news, if we believe everything they say, we will be fooled and played. We have to take their words with a grain of salt. William Shakespeare said, “Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise.” Wise people don’t let demagogues or rabble-rousers brainwash them. Critical thinkers can tell the difference between truth and lies. Political candidates sweet-talk you to win your votes. Jesus warned, “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
     Third, being a Catholic or a Protestant does not mean a thing. “Action speaks louder than words.” What does God require of us? Prophet Micah said, “To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.” Let us ask ourselves these questions: “Will our next president work for justice for all, not just for the rich and the powerful? Will our next president be kind to all Americans, not just some? Will our next president be humble before God, before truth, and before Americans? Let us support our political leaders who will serve American people, not just themselves or their political party.
      Please do not pray that God may take sides with your candidate. Instead, pray that your candidate may take sides with God! May America shine like a beacon on a hill!
​Pastor Jerry Cho