Throughout this historical Presidential election, we should recognize that what hasn’t changed is our right and ability to show up. In an America that is diverse, resilient, and leans on the practices of democracy; in the capacity that we felt was right, we showed up.  

As we move forward, let us continue to occupy and show up through the lens of bridge building and understanding. Let’s focus on what brings us together, deploying sensitivity in what is right and just. This balance of understanding each side will take encouragement. It’s going to take extended grace. For the group that feels righteous, and the other that feels betrayal now more than ever is the time to listen.  

Now more than ever is a time to believe that no matter the circumstances; historically deplorable, patriotic, or advantageous in America – we have, and can move forward. We can thrive.  

At Interfaith America, a message was crafted to articulate the sentiments of our organization and how we plan to move with fierce intention and understanding, in the name of the foundation we stand on – the importance of religious diversity and ideals, that is America. 

Founder, Eboo Patel and Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff, Adam Phillips recently shared the message below with our Interfaith America network.  

We hope this encourages you too.  

The Message:

With the vast majority of votes counted for the 2024 national election, the results are decisive. Across the country, people showed up to vote in record numbers, demonstrating the vitality of our democracy. We are especially grateful for the many Americans who served in pivotal roles to staff our polling locations, count votes, and ensure people felt safe as they cast their ballots; we witnessed the mechanisms of democracy in action.

As with any national election, many of our co-citizens are disheartened with the results. No matter how the election turned out, we always knew that roughly half the nation would rejoice, and the other half would not. It is understandable to take time to process the results and the implications they have on your community. If you feel called to express yourself publicly, please do so with the safety and well-being of all in mind. Our right to political speech is powerful when exercised with concern for our neighbors.

For a civic pluralist democracy to function, we must respect each other’s differences, trust our institutions, and move forward together after a divisive election to cooperate across those differences. This is a moment to uplift our core beliefs in respectful disagreement and cooperation across differences.

At Interfaith America, we believe that our democracy thrives because of its diversity—of thought, belief, and background. We all remain neighbors, and we are all Americans. In the days ahead, our focus on civil dialogue, bridging divides, and civic pluralism will be essential. Regardless of our feelings about the outcome, this moment calls us to reach across those differences, grounded in our shared values. The work of bridgebuilders is more critical than ever.

We invite you to stay engaged in this work with us to build an interfaith America – lifting up identities as a source of pride, using our faith as a bridge, and fostering cooperation instead of division. Together, we can help shape a future where everyone has a place in our democracy and plays an active role in civic life.

Thank you for your commitment, your energy, and your belief in what’s possible. The road ahead may not be easy, but it is one we are honored to walk with each of you.