HARRISBURG, Pa. — Just a short walk from the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Grace United Methodist Church has recently erected a notable feature: a pole inscribed with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
This initiative was deliberate, both in its timing and its location, as it coincided with last month’s International Day of Peace. Rev. Anna Layman Knox, the pastor of the church, emphasized its significance amid the current political climate.
From her office, Rev. Knox can see the Capitol’s impressive dome, designed after Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Vatican. However, she is also aware of the political tensions and protests that have taken place on the Capitol steps, recognizing the potential for escalating violence amidst intense election discourse.
With the impending election, she aspires to motivate others to pursue peace, hoping her church’s message resonates as the votes are tallied.
During a recent service, Rev. Knox encouraged her congregation to keep Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in their prayers, urging them to choose their words carefully. Wearing a rainbow-colored stole associated with the LGBTQ+ flag, she declared, “We pray for our nation in our division and our hope.”
As Pennsylvania stands as a crucial swing state, its Capitol is poised to be a focal point if the election sharpens political divides.
The Capitol gained notoriety in 2020 as a site of protests backing false claims of a stolen election propagated by Trump supporters, ultimately contributing to the January 6 insurrection, characterized by a violent breach of the Capitol.
Recently, evangelical leader Sean Feucht, a prominent supporter of Trump, hosted a pro-Trump rally near the Capitol, stating that “the enemy can’t have this state.” Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk supported similar narratives at a local non-denominational church, reiterating discredited claims of election fraud.
In light of growing apprehension about violence, Rev. Knox joined the coalition Choices and Voices for Peace, which comprises faith leaders from around Pennsylvania. They convened at the state Capitol, advocating for peaceful discourse as the election approaches.
“The tensions have been escalating, and all religious traditions stress the importance of peace and love,” expressed Rabbi Ariana Capptauber from Beth El Temple in Harrisburg. “We know that is the highest value in our society.”
Following the peace demonstration in the Capitol rotunda, the interfaith group—including various religious leaders—made their way to Grace Church for a meal and discussions on strategies to combat potential threats peacefully.
“We’re working to protect our neighborhoods,” noted Rev. Erin Jones, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s state advocacy efforts that organized the peace rally. They have also initiated a petition urging Pennsylvanians to demonstrate respect for one another as they prepare to vote.
The petition, signed by over 300 religious figures, articulated, “The choices we make will reflect how we wish to coexist and the future we aspire to create for the next generation.”
Concerns about recurring violent protests have been echoed among American voters, with many expressing anxiety over the forthcoming election and the potential for political unrest. Recent surveys reveal that nearly 40% of registered voters are “extremely” or “very” worried about attempts to alter the election results following the November vote.
Carly Wolf, a college student and member of Grace Church, articulated her fears about violence and her desire for unity in light of a recent disturbing protest featuring swastika flags marching past her church. She asserted, “No matter the election outcome, protests at the Capitol must remain peaceful.”
While hoping it won’t be needed, Wolf is prepared to defend the Capitol and her community against hate, stating, “I would put myself out there. Hate speech should not go unchallenged. The events of January 6 remind us to guard the sanctity of our Capitol.”
Grace United Methodist Church holds historical significance as the institution that rescued Harrisburg’s status as Pennsylvania’s capital.
In the 19th century and during the Civil War, there were movements to relocate the capital to Philadelphia, especially following the destruction of the Capitol in a fire in 1897.
Given the lack of alternative venues large enough for the legislature, the church graciously offered its space to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Within days, they prepared the church for legislative sessions, clearing religious objects to accommodate lawmakers who would work there for two years until the Capitol’s reconstruction was completed.
Layman Knox remarked on the enduring relationship between the church and political advocacy, stating, “Being engaged politically transcends partisanship; it is about striving for the common good.”
Today, Grace Church continues to serve as a sacred hub for interfaith gatherings, prayers, and advocacy efforts directed at the Capitol.
After a recent visit to the Capitol, Scott Bassett, a retired teacher from California, reflected on the impact of faith leaders in fostering unity. He expressed hope that their collaborative work would inspire citizens to reflect on the importance of coexistence in the state of Pennsylvania.
“I deeply appreciate their contributions to our nation and the state of Pennsylvania,” he concluded while admiring the majestic view of Grace Church and other local houses of worship in downtown Harrisburg.