Renewal of Conscience

BY EDWARD WOODS, III

his month, the United States will witness the Inauguration and swearing-in ceremonies for the 46th Presdident. According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) website, the purpose for the long-standing tradition is two-fold: “national renewal and continuity of leadership.” Considering the twists and turns in the 2020 Presidential Election process, we need to identify the American values for national renewal and continuity of leadership.

The Declaration of Independence serves as the founding document of America. It states,

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

This became a reality for the white and male signers of the Declaration. It served as an ideal for everyone else, otherwise, we would not have needed the Women’s Suffrage Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, or even now the message of Black Lives Matter, nearly 250 years later. Is this the type of national renewal and continuity of leadership everyone is seeking?

Nevertheless, Judeo-Christian values point to the equality of all men and women created in the image and likeness of God, the Creator. Equality of opportunity refers to the absolute rights that include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all men and women. Over the course of time, the ideal comes closer to a reality, even though it is still not reflective in equal pay. That would impact life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/wkyeng.t03.htm

Leading up to the 2020 Presidential Election, a Lifeway Research survey found that those voting for Trump supported him because of benefits that would come to themselves, their families, and people who are like them. Those voting for Biden tended to cast their selection with broader purposes in mind, hoping to benefit the people America has failed. https://lifewayresearch.com/2020/09/29/most-evangelicals-choose-trump-over-biden-but-clear-divides-exist/

In the span of American history from 1776-2020, we have often pondered the what could be seen as self-interest versus America’s interest. It cannot be assumed that they are one in the same when it comes to all men and women.

As we anticipate the 59th Inauguration Day, let’s consider a renewal of conscience to ensure that America’s founding values become a reality for all men and women and its continuity of leadership empowers equity and equality for all men and women in securing these same values.

Edward Woods III is the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director and Chairperson for the Conscience and Justice Council.