I am deeply grieved by what I am seeing in the United States today. Since the current administration took office, there have been 34 to 40 federal injunctions and more than 120 lawsuits filed against the administration’s overreach and breaches of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and congressional appropriations.
This is unprecedented in our nation’s history.
Michael Chancellor
What we are witnessing are several weaknesses in our system of government. Our federal government was designed to prevent any one branch from going rogue. Congress passes laws and budgets and provides oversight for judicial and executive appointments. The executive branch oversees the operation of the federal government and works with the joint chiefs of staff to ensure the vitality and readiness of our military. The judiciary, through the Supreme Court and federal courts, acts as a continuous monitor of illegal actions and overreach by the other two branches.
However, in our time, the executive branch has attempted to overstep, ignore and gut the other two branches of our once-robust government. This is possible because, for the last 40 years, there has been a slow and methodical movement toward a one-party authoritarian rule.
The Democratic Party has been demonized and discredited as a “left-leaning,” “socialist” or “woke” party. Meanwhile, the Republican Party, by marshaling the support of right-wing evangelicals and presenting themselves as a “Christian” and “family values” party, has slowly moved against our democratic form of government. Under the flag of “traditional values,” they have ushered in some of the most immoral and corrupt politicians in American history.
“Under the flag of ‘traditional values,’ they have ushered in some of the most immoral and corrupt politicians in American history.”
At the head of this mess is a man who is a convicted felon and who has faced credible accusations of being a pedophile, an adulterer and a business cheat. Most worrying, he has been accused of being a Russian asset whose fortune has been replenished by the Russian economy and its dictators.
In a short seven months, he has single-handedly emasculated and neutered congressional members of his own party, leaving them to accomplish nothing and waste time and money while their leader leaves them to play the fool. His campaign promises are like bubbles, breaking before they even leave his lips, and leaving representatives and senators running out the back doors of their town hall meetings to escape the angry rage of their constituents.
To move past this constitutional crisis, I believe at least three actions must be taken.
Speak up and stand up
First, we must stand up and speak up to those who occupy seats in Congress and our state houses. You do not need to threaten or curse, but you must call, email and post on social media.
I have been posting on the Texas governor’s Facebook page. Many of our senators and representatives have social media accounts. Use them to amplify your voice, your concerns and your anger. Call their Washington or local offices, which are listed on the official congressional and senatorial websites. Be clear about your concerns and express your disappointment in their failure to do their jobs and hold the executive branch accountable.
Most of us now use cell phones, which means you can save their numbers and email addresses in your contacts. Be vocal, visible and relentless. Always be courteous and know you will most likely speak to an assistant, not the congressperson or senator themselves. Find out if your representative is hosting a town hall meeting and make it a priority to attend.
“Be clear about your concerns and express your disappointment in their failure to do their jobs and hold the executive branch accountable.”
Farmers are losing their farms or going bankrupt, businesses are failing and the costs of groceries, gas and utilities are rising. Be willing to speak up for the children in your state who lack health insurance and face food insecurity. It is difficult for a student who does not have enough food to eat to focus on their studies. Be a voice for those who feel they have none. If you are a believer, advocate for the poor, the homeless and those without resources.
Do not grow weary
Second, we must not grow weary. This problem has been a long time coming, and it will not resolve itself in one election, one town hall meeting, one email or one phone call.
Like all things worth doing, it is worth setting aside the time to continue to reach out and speak. The time for handwringing and silence is over.
Embrace spiritual revival
Finally, while I do not believe America is a Christian nation or God has a special covenant with the United States, my study of this nation’s history tells me when we humble ourselves and pray, seeking the Lord’s face, God hears.
In our nation’s history, there is a robust vein of spiritual awakening and revival that has come to the church when we have stopped and fervently prayed. This is one of those times. We should not just be concerned for our own well-being. America, at its best and worst, has been a beacon of hope and encouragement to the world. We must not lose that, and the world must not lose us.
Michael Chancellor served 33 years as pastor of four Baptist churches in Texas, six years as a mental health manager in a maximum-security Texas prison before becoming a therapist in private practice in Round Rock, Texas. He now lives in Taylor, Texas.