In the beginning of the "United States of America," the separation of church and state was implemented for the integrity and safety of the church. The state wasn't allowed to mess with the church. Today, though, the church (at least a big chunk of the "church"), feels an obligation to vote for "God's person."

But who is that, exactly?

In his day, Jesus stood up for the marginalized and oppressed against governmental and religious powers; this is one of his most defining characteristics. I really don't think a politician who carried this as her or his most defining characteristic would be a very good politician. Seriously. This is why the church needs to be given the freedom to do what it needs to do outside the control of government.

The role of the church is to be a light to neighbors, to bless and not curse, to offer hope and not hate. The elected governmental power is seemingly aligned to do much harm to many, but the church's role does not change: we love, we champion for those without power, we work for justice.

At the beginning and at the end of each day, this is what the church is called to do. This is what we are called to do.

And we listen. We listen to those who are bowed down with fear in light of the threats to their humanity. We listen to understand the cries of those who voted for the president-elect. We listen to hear where we might step up....then we act, in obedience to the man who tried with all he had to challenge the earthly powers toward a better way, offering the same love, the same access to God, to all persons.