Alveda King: An Open Letter to Spiritual Leaders Regarding Upcoming Elections
The following letter regarding upcoming elections is to America’s spiritual leaders and all people of goodwill.
“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into [error] sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived” (Galatians 6:1-3, MSG).
A while back, I attended a meeting hosted by The Family Leadership Summit. There I was especially inspired by the IF 7:14 theme.
In view of the upcoming early primaries in Iowa and South Carolina, I am stirred in my heart to encourage all spiritual leaders, and indeed all people of goodwill to be civil in our dealings towards one another, in political dealings and indeed all of our activities. Below are excerpts from a letter I sent to Iowa:
Hello. We haven’t spoken since my last eventful visit to Iowa. Thanks again for including me.
Much has transpired since the release of IF 7:14.
I’m writing with a concern. With the momentous Iowa primary fast approaching, several campaigns are departing from the IF 7:14 formula, and reverting to dirty politics.
I was disturbed when several of the leading Republican candidates had staffers and fans—with or without their knowledge—team up on one member of the front-running team. Let me be clear: There was a very dishonest smear campaign to discredit Dr. Ben Carson’s long term pro-life contributions as well as his transformational from rags to riches testimony; and the Trump, Rubio and Cruz campaigns jumped on the hatchet wagon joining in the attempt to destroy a noble warrior.
One should wonder why there is such an effort from the media to discredit Dr. Carson in particular. He is either waved off, misquoted or ignored more than the others. And his contenders are involved in the ploy.
Before anyone says “that’s just politics—they’re just going after the weakest link,” I’d like to remind us that it isn’t Jesus. It will be very dangerous for candidates to try to represent themselves as Christians while allowing politics as usual behind the scenes.
God is watching us, and [as leaders,] you perhaps know this better than anyone.
[Leaders] have been “leading the charge for truth and integrity in the upcoming elections.” I am writing to encourage you to lead others to understand that a team of winners is running for president. In some cases this is reflected in the polls. What the polls also reflect, sadly, is dirty dealings behind the scenes.
[The slate] is a “Most Valuable Team” with several winning players. While there can be only one MVP—that winner will only stand the test of time if the victory is won without worldly political tactics.
I will not be endorsing any candidates. I am a friend of the Carson campaign. However, as an Evangelist, I am standing in a prayerful position. I remember the advice of my uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was an Independent:
“I feel someone must remain in the position of non-alignment, so that he can look objectively at both parties and be the conscience of both—not the servant or master of either.” In a 1958 interview, he expressed his view that neither party was perfect, saying, “I don’t think the Republican Party is a party full of the (A)lmighty God nor is the Democratic party. They both have weaknesses … And I’m not inextricably bound to either party.”
Again, I am not writing to tell anyone who to endorse or who to vote for. Rather I’m asking that [all leaders] investigate motives and encourage people to pray and be honest and Christ-like—very difficult to do in the political arena—but not impossible.
A Carson fan sent me this link. I’m only including it to remind all godly candidates that we are not contending with flesh and blood, and to call us to prayer.
Ulysses Dale and Jeff Sailor give a tribute to Dr. Ben and Candy Carson for all he has done to support education and not giving up on the families and communities he has served.
