Last night I attended an event at a local event hosted by one of Washington State’s public policy think tanks. Having lived in Chicago for 30 years, I appreciate how much access we have to policymakers and public leaders in Washington State.

Religious leaders must stay informed and engaged in an ever-changing world where political decisions can have far-reaching consequences. We will explore the importance of political awareness for Pagan priests and clergy, delving into their role in society, their challenges, and how they can foster political understanding to serve their communities better.

Being informed and engaged is different than telling people how to vote or, worse, how to think. As a priest, I teach, guide, bear witness, and do not interfere with free will.

As Pagans, we are a religion of clergy. We do not need intervention or someone to petition on our behalf. However, priests accept responsibility for being present, facilitating, and building awareness. We provide spiritual guidance, perform religious rites, and often serve as community leaders. Influence on communities can be profound, and with this influence comes a responsibility to be informed about the political landscape that affects others in our community.

In the context of priests, political awareness refers to an understanding of the political environment and its implications for their communities. If one was to build a flowchart, this is where the 🛑 icon comes in.

Priests and clergy must be politically aware, as political decisions can impact religious communities in various ways, such as through legislation affecting spiritual practices, funding for faith-based organizations, or social issues that intersect with religious teachings. These are the practical and mundane aspects of what we do. However, they are equally important as your spiritual role.

For example, consider a new law's implications affecting religious freedom or allocating resources for faith-based social services. By staying informed about these political developments, we can better advocate for their communities and provide guidance that is relevant to the current context.

This involves getting out and meeting legislators, regulators, and policymakers. Be present. It doesn’t require formality or marches. Those have their valid purposes at a time and place.

While political awareness is essential, it can also challenge religious leaders. There is the risk of becoming too involved in politics, potentially compromising your spiritual guidance and alienating members of their congregation with differing political views. Be politically neutral on candidates. Consider and support issues. Never let your political views come before your devotion to the Gods. “Speak but little; listen much.”

To navigate these challenges, priests and clergy can strive to maintain a balanced and informed perspective. Be aware of the political landscape without becoming overly partisan or entangled in political controversies. This balance allows us to provide relevant and informed spiritual guidance while maintaining their primary focus on the spiritual well-being of their congregations.

To become more politically aware, priests can:

1. Stay informed about current events and political developments through reliable news sources.
2. Offer to meet with political leaders. If you invite them to events, offer equal access. You may not like everyone’s views; some may self-select out of your event, but you will have tried.
3. Remember that Pagans vote for issues and not political parties. Being informed helps you have a conversation.
4. Read. Most municipalities have online resources for you to keep up to date. Sign up and review what is happening in your area and your nation.
5. Participate in interfaith dialogues and forums to gain insights from other religious traditions.
6. Vote. In 2016 I created the #AllPagansVote as intention, awareness, and motivation.

By fostering political awareness, priests and clergy can better serve their communities and contribute to a more inclusive and informed society.

In conclusion, political awareness is a vital aspect of the role of priests. By staying informed about the political landscape, we can provide relevant guidance, advocate for their communities, and navigate the challenges of political engagement. Moreover, as priests continue to foster political awareness, we will be better equipped to serve community and contribute to society.

Onward.