As Evangelical Christian leaders, we are deeply concerned for our church communities and for our country. We are called by God to walk in Christ’s footsteps to be peacemakers—not merely peacekeepers—in a nation grappling with toxic levels of polarization and the targeting of specific religious, racial, and political groups with violence. Peacemaking is not passive but rather an active commitment to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. As the apostle Paul admonished the Roman church, Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Gen 4:9-10; Matt 5:9; Matt 10:22; Mark 9:50; Rom 14:19).

We know that elections, especially those as deeply divisive as the most recent one, can create pressures to act in ways that dishonor Christ’s teachings and biblical values. We must reject these pressures and not compromise our faith. We pledge the following, and welcome our fellow Christians to join us in being peacemakers, holding ourselves to these standards:

1. We engage based on our Christian values, not based on partisan agendas (Acts 5:29; Phil 3:20). We ground our identity in Christ first and act in line with the teachings of our Savior in how we engage our fellow Americans with whom we disagree (Matt 5:44).
2. We condemn violence as a political tool and any language that incites hatred or violence (Eph 4:29-32; Col 3:8). We pledge to measure our words and use them to build up instead of tear down, treating others as we would have them treat us.
3. We stand with the vast majority of Americans who want a peaceful, fair election, regardless of their political beliefs. We reject any effort to impede a peaceful and fair electoral process, undermine democracy, or deny Americans the right to vote. We call on all political candidates and politicians to respect the democratic process (Rom 12:17-21).
4. We call on all Americans to respect and support each other, to build peace in their local communities, and to advocate peacefully for their political perspectives (Matt 5:38-39; Rom 12:17-21). We reject any efforts to sow discord and divide Americans for political gain (Prov 6:16-19; Rom 16:17). We recognize and affirm the dignity and worth of all humans as divine image-bearers that Jesus died to save (Gen 1:26; John 3:16). We must act accordingly.

Join us. Be a peacemaker, not merely a peacekeeper.