Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Registering to Vote, a Christian Responsibility


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Registering to vote is a Christian obligation. It is the first step in the process of being self-responsible in electing a leader whether locally, state-wide, or nationally. It takes approximately ten minutes, with an online application that can be mailed in to your designated registration district or returned online. Everyone is encouraged to register to vote insomuch as they then can be eligible to vote for a capable leader that most adheres to the Christian principles and doctrines that are upheld by our beloved Coptic Orthodox Church.

As Coptic Orthodox citizens heavily populate large metropolitan areas in the United States, it is conceivable that one day Coptic political leaders will emerge that will need the votes of their Christian brethrens. Only through good conscience, spiritually based decision making, and active participation in electing the leaders of the government that determine our laws and ensure that...

"You have filled the earth with heavenly peace, by which the hosts of angels glorify You saying 'Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will toward men.'"

In the Old Testament elders acted as the political body in the Holy Book of Exodus. They were representatives of the people and acted for the people. The seventy elders in the Holy Books of Exodus and Numbers were similar to a governing body or parliament. Likewise in the New Testament they were the rulers of the synagogues. So leadership roles were necessary in the Holy Bible to lead the Jews. As we all know the Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost and to lead the Christians. He, Himself chose the twelve apostles to continue His mission.

Leadership roles were necessary in Biblical times as now throughout the ages of ages. What is necessary of a leader?

Melito (c. 170) plainly states the answer to this question...

"My opinion is this: that in this way a kingdom may be governed in peace—when the sovereign is acquainted with the God of truth. That is, if the ruler withholds from doing wrong to his subjects out of fear of God and he judges everything with equality...For, if the sovereign abstains from doing wrong to those who are under his rule, and they abstain from doing wrong to him and to each other, it is evident that the whole country will dwell in peace. Many blessings, too, will be enjoyed there, because among them the name of God will be glorified. For what blessing is greater than for a sovereign to deliver his people that are under his rule from error, and by this good deed, render himself pleasing to God?"

Registration form online http://www.iwanttovote.com.

You many register to vote anytime. If you are considering voting in this 2008 presidential campaign you may only have a day or two to register to vote. This site will also give you registration date deadlines. Regardless of meeting the deadline to vote for this presidential campaign it is highly encouraged for everyone to register to vote to become eligible to vote during election campaigns in the future.

There are two websites "Get to Know Your Candidates" http://www.2008electionprocon.org and http://www.congress.org/election/home/. that address presidential candidates views and opinions related to many issues of interests to Christians.

This website may be beneficial to review and to keep in mind: "Applying the Ten Commandments to the Election of Government Leaders".

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17).

Pray for perfect peace and love,

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States


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