Vote Your Values
Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) believes that voting is one of the most powerful ways we can live out our faith and values. This "Voting Our Values" resource calls upon people like you to reflect deeply on how your vote can support justice, equity, and the common good. Grounded in the principles of inclusion and solidarity, this focus highlights seven core areas where our values intersect with today’s most pressing issues:
Each of these values reflects the heart of our Christian faith—a commitment to love our neighbors, care for the Earth, and stand in solidarity with the marginalized. As you consider your ballot, we invite you to think about how your vote can help build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.
As we explore these seven key values, we reflect on how they have shaped both our engagement at General Conference and the broader impact on the United Methodist Church. This new resource is built upon the foundational insights from our Plumbline publications, which were created for General Conference. By reexamining these plumblines, we identified the critical intersections of the issues they addressed, which informed the development of the seven core values we’re highlighting in this resource.
These values are not isolated but interdependent, reflecting the complex, intersectional nature of social justice work within the church. By focusing on these values, we are continuing to expand on the wisdom shared in the plumblines and providing a cohesive framework for understanding how these issues influence the church’s mission and direction. This resource aims to not only inform but also engage the community in reflecting on how our shared values continue to shape the future of the UMC.
Let’s take a closer look at how these guiding principles can shape our voting choices.
1. Equity and Justice
Voting for equity and justice is essential in dismantling systems of oppression, whether rooted in racism, colonialism, homophobia, or ableism. These values call us to acknowledge harm, seek reconciliation, and promote policies that uplift those our society pushes to the margins. We vote for a future where all people are treated as equals and can live without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
References to Plumbines:
From Regionalization: "Equity between regions" and "Decolonizing our mission"
From Racial Justice: "Racial justice" and "Eliminating white supremacy and colonialism"
From Apology for Overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom: "Reconciliation" and "Accountability"
From LGBTQIA+ Plumbline: "Reducing harm" and "Making space for God's calls in the lives of LGBTQIA+ people"
2. Climate and Creation Justice
Climate justice intersects with nearly every aspect of life—economics, racial justice, and health. By voting for climate-conscious leaders and policies, we protect God’s creation and ensure the well-being of future generations. Together, we can reduce harm and care for the Earth as faithful stewards while addressing injustices that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.
References to Plumbines:
From Divestment from Fossil Fuels: "Care for creation" and "Global solidarity"
From Church Land Use: "Stewardship of land" and "Harmony with creation"
From Formation of Green Teams: "Caring for the vulnerable through environmental action"
3. Inclusion and Accessibility
Inclusion means ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, gender, or reproductive decisions, can participate fully in society. Voting with this value in mind means advocating for policies that remove barriers and promote the sacredness of each person’s autonomy and dignity.
References to Plumbines:
From Ableism and Audism: "Eliminating barriers" and "Accessibility"
From Accessibility for People with Disabilities: "Empowering the church" and "Building connections"
From Reproductive Justice: "Bodily autonomy" and "Sacredness of every body"
4. Diversity and Representation
A vote for diversity is a vote for a more inclusive society, where everyone's voice is valued and respected. In the face of censorship, discrimination, or marginalization, we value the representation of all people in education, healthcare, and public life.
References to Plumbines:
From Resist Censorship: "Openness" and "Diverse perspectives"
From Reproductive Justice: "The right to safe and sustainable communities"
5. Democracy and Human Rights
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to defend democracy and human rights. Supporting candidates and policies that protect free speech, advocate for justice, and end systemic violence against vulnerable populations is central to creating a world where all can live freely and safely, and avoid candidates who seek to undermine our free and fair elections.
References to Plumbines:
From Free Speech and Justice Advocacy: "Freedom of speech" and "Nonviolent action"
From Justice and Peace in Palestine/Israel: "Human rights" and "Ending occupation"
6. Reconciliation and Accountability
Reconciliation and accountability are essential for healing the wounds caused by systemic oppression. Voting for leaders and policies that acknowledge past wrongs and work towards reparations ensures that we take steps towards a more just and unified society.
References to Plumbines:
From Apology for Overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom: "Meaningful repentance" and "Reconciliation"
From Racial Justice: "Confronting and eliminating white supremacy"
7. Peace and Conflict Resolution
Voting for peace means rejecting policies that perpetuate violence, occupation, and injustice. It calls us to stand up for children and vulnerable populations, ensuring that all people live free from fear, violence, and oppression.
References to Plumbines:
From Justice and Peace in Palestine/Israel: "Ending child incarceration" and "Peace for all God’s people"
From Revised Social Principles: "Faith is a lived response to God’s abundant grace and to God’s high calling for Jesus’ disciples to live lovingly in all that we do in our personal and communal practices and public policies. The Revised Social Principles inspire and challenge us... to embody prophetic action"