European leaders advise on the "plague or cholera" election in the US
Trump (left) and Harris (right) around the debate in September. Photo AFP, Saul Loeb
European Union
Trump or Harris? Christian leaders in Europe are very much engaged with the upcoming U.S. elections. But some fear the American campaign, too. Christians can damage themselves by identifying too much with earthly politics. In Sweden, evangelical church leaders were surveyed about who they support in the U.S. elections.
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Valeriu Ghiletchi (Moldova): Republicans are nearer to the Christian ideals
"As a Conservative Christian and as the President of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), I prioritise certain policies that I believe are fundamentally important", says Valeriu Ghiletchi, M.P. in Moldova.
The protection of unborn life and the human dignity are particularly critical for him. "There is a stark contrast between the Democrats and the Republicans on this issue."
During his first term, President Trump appointed three conservative judges to the Supreme Court, instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade. "As the elections approach, Trump's running mate, JD Vance, continues to advocate for pro-life policies. His stance reinforces the administration's commitment to conservative values that resonate deeply with many European Christian voices."
Ghiletchi also sees other "significant differences" between Democrats and Republicans regarding marriage, religious liberty, the sexual and gender revolution, and parental rights. "The Republican platform aligns more closely with conservatives. Indeed, President Trump's personality and behaviour have caused discomfort and challenging moments for many Christians. However, we cannot discern a candidate's heart in any election. But we can evaluate their platform and the policies they intend. At this point, the Republican ticket presents solutions that more effectively address the concerns that are important to conservative Christians."
Marc Jost (Switzerland): Blessed are the peacemakers
"As a Christian, I strongly believe in the vital role that public institutions play in promoting good and restraining evil", says Marc Jost, a member of the Swiss parliament. "While no earthly institution is perfect, their absence would lead to inevitable chaos. Given the unprecedented pressures on American democracy, my primary concern is preserving these institutions."
Jost finds Trump's role in the Capitol attack concerning. "I am grateful for individuals like Mike Pence and others, who courageously upheld the integrity of U.S. institutions during that critical moment.
The upcoming elections may prove to be another decisive moment, and my prayer is that men and women of peace will prevail. Christians have a unique role in this process, through prayer and by setting an example, as Jesus taught: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
Valeriia Petrechkiv (Ukrainian in France): Americans deserve better than Trump
It's mainly migration that seems vital in Trump's campaign. "He sells himself as a saviour to the "alien invasion". This rhetoric is morally flawed, but it also fails a basic cost-benefit analysis", says Valeriia Petrechkiv, president of the European Christian Political Youth (ECPYouth).
"Remember the picturesque promise of Mexico paying for the Wall? Instead, American taxpayers gave up 15 billion dollars for an incomplete project. 850,000 illegal crossings in 2019, the highest in a decade, hints that neither his deterrence strategy nor fiscal conservatism has worked. Should we be surprised that this reckless overhaul of the border system hits us with greater chaos in the years after, including surges in human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling?"
Petrichkiv was raised with the Christian values of integrity and human dignity. She feels far from comprehending Trump's ease in separating families and denying people access to fundamental rights. "And I would never normalise divisive, inhumane language Trump's speeches are rich with. Labels like "animals", "savages", and "alien enemies". Those terms are disturbingly similar to the rhetoric of Putin or Erdogan and have no place in the great democratic nation."
She does not see the Republican candidate as a "principled conservative" who follows Jesus's teaching. "He is a reactionary populist who prefers to campaign on an issue. Americans deserve better – leaders who build "smart" border surveillance and don't compromise on morals."
Jeff Fountain (Netherlands): Support for Trump can harm evangelicals
The American election campaign is a "clear and present danger" for Christians, particularly for evangelicals, says Jeff Fountain, initiator of the Schuman Centre for European Studies.
"Charismatic and Pentecostal evangelicals are being targeted to restore Donald Trump to the presidency' stolen' by Joe Biden, so it is claimed, through election fraud. A movement called the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), led by those claiming to be 'anointed' prophets and apostles, claims that Trump was divinely appointed to save the USA, just as the pagan King Cyrus was God's chosen instrument to save Israel.
Promoting a 'Seven Mountain Mandate' to gain control of the various spheres of society, this movement views Trump's fury and rage as positive 'virtues'. Supported by some big names in parts of American Christianity, the NAR confuses Jesus' commands to love and serve with the temptations of power and wealth Satan offered to Jesus.
If not widely refuted, it is likely to bring confusion and disrepute to the name of evangelicals everywhere."
Jonathan de Koeijer (Netherlands): Write to a better candidate than Harris or Trump
"I often hear: A vote for Trump is a vote for Christianity. But if we face the truth: both candidates are a disaster on this topic," says Jonathan de Koeijer, a European Christian Political Youth (ECPYouth) board member.
"During Trump's first term as President, he was often called "the most pro-life president." But times changed. Trump is running for his survival, meaning he will say what is best for his political position. Example: when asked if he would vote for abortion up to 24 weeks, his answer indicated that he would be voting in favour. A day later, he indicated the opposite."
Still, De Koeijer thinks Kamala Harris is "absolutely not" the better option for Christians. "Her abortion stance goes against the core principles of the Bible. Besides that, her LGBTQI+ views are being pushed on the lives of Americans."
De Koeijer's advice is what he calls the 'write-in' option. "You don't have to choose between Trump or Harris; you can write a candidate representing your values."
Benedikt Krenn (Austria): Trump is the answer to ending global wars
"Trump, as the only president in recent American history, has accomplished what no one else thought possible: to not only start no new war but also to enter negotiations with America's fiercest adversaries gradually," says Benedikt Krenn, who is the former Assistant Team Director for FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).
One could be tempted to think that I, as an Austrian, should not mind too much who will be the next president of the United States of America. After all, it is a country that's geographically far away and has been declining in its status as a leading world power for the past couple of years. Still, I am deeply concerned about two main things. One is the one-sided portrayal of the candidates, and the other is the implications for international affairs.
As a European, the issue that concerns me the most in this election is the consequences for international peace. Trump, as the only president in recent American history, has accomplished what no one else thought possible: not only to start no new war but also to gradually enter negotiations with America's fiercest adversaries (e.g., North Korea, Russia, etc.).
Similarly, he again raised the importance of defence spending as critical of a state's budget by urging members of NATO to pay "their fair share". On the other hand, the last administration has displayed, at best, sheer incompetence and, at worst, wilful ignorance of global affairs. Not only did Russia invade Ukraine, but it also attacked, not to mention the drastic failure of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Why this should change when the current V.P. gets a promotion, I don't know. The choice for me is clear: either the U.S. (and the world) chooses four more years of peace or unnecessary, endless wars."
Päivi Räsänen (Finland): Let the voters defend the classic freedoms
The United States has always been a bastion of free speech and the freedom of religion, says Päivi Räsänen, Member of Parliament in Finland.
In history, several groups of Christians have moved to America to avoid persecution and to practice their faith free from oppression.
"This election campaign has shown that these values are also contentious in the U.S. The First Amendment has protected Americans from persecution based on their faith. Freedom of speech and religion are the central freedoms of Western society, which have been challenged worldwide, including in my home country of Finland.
I want the U.S. to continue as an example of a society where these freedoms are respected. I also would like to see American foreign diplomacy play a more significant role in ensuring these liberties elsewhere. I hope the voters will choose a candidate who will credibly defend these freedoms."
Andreas Püttmann (Germany): To vote for Trump is an anti-testimony for Christians
"You will recognise them by their fruit. Every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit." That is the Bible quote that comes up in the mind of Andreas Püttmann, a German political scientist and publicist while thinking about the U.S. elections.
"Jesus' words against false prophets apply to the ethical failings of many US Christians", he says. "According to polls, they are again more likely than average to vote for a notorious liar, sexually licentious narcissist and an unscrupulous agitator who incited a coup attempt with dead bodies after his election defeat in 2020."
"Nevertheless, 77 per cent of white evangelicals are in favour of Putin's candidate, as are a relative majority of all Catholics (49 against 44 per cent). They are fixated with tunnel vision on a few, albeit important, issues such as abortion, gender politics and migration. But they are too simple-minded or unwilling to protect an order of freedom against autocratic tendencies. To put it shortly: A Christian anti-testimony! Think about Blaise Pascal's statement: If we violate the basic demands of reason, our religion will be meaningless and ridiculous."
Vitaly Vlasenko (Russia): Peacemaker and good communicator are needed for U.S. president
Only the American voters will decide who will stay in the White House. As Europeans, "we can only hope and pray that the U.S. President would be a peacemaker and a good communicator who would be able to bring peace and harmony to the European continent," Vitaly Vlasenko says, who is the General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance.
"Russian evangelical Christians look at the American elections differently. Some do not pay attention to them, while others closely follow and worry about their outcome. Over the past 20 years, evangelical Christians in Russia and the United States have had many connections. Many joint projects have spread the Gospel, promoted Christian education, and created a Christian business community. Russian evangelical Christians saw the American democracy as a model. I would not be mistaken if I said that much of America's political, economic, and social structure was worthy of respect and imitation."
Vlasenko refers to the Biblical prophet Samuel whom God instructed to choose a new king for Israel: "The Lord does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Unfortunately, it is very difficult to look into the depths of a presidential candidate's heart. Still, we can judge by the actions and words of the contending candidates.
Vlasenko says evangelical Christians in Russia still pray that the next U.S. leader is a "worthy president" filled with the desire to make the will of the Lord be on earth as it is in heaven. "All of us in Russia wish for the military actions to end and for business and cultural ties between our countries to be established. The apostle Paul called on believers: I urge therefore, first of all, that prayers, petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1st Timothy 2:1-4). May the Lord bless the American people so they can make the right choice, and we will pray for it."
Diederik van Dijk (Netherlands): Support for Israel crucial for next U.S. president
"The surviving and thriving of Israel are at stake. As a Christian in Europe, safeguarding Jewish existence in the land of Israel is near and dear to my heart," Diederik van Dijk says who is an MP in the Netherlands and member of parliament for the Reformed SGP party.
"The upcoming American elections are at a crucial moment for Christian politics. We have seen promising developments in the courts and states about protecting unborn life. It's important to keep that momentum going and protect unborn life whilst supporting women and families.
The support shown by the United States and Europe for Israel is vital at this time. The U.S. needs to show strength and determination against terror and totalitarianism and support our democratic ally in the region. The surviving and thriving of Israel are at stake. As a Christian in Europe, safeguarding Jewish existence in the land of Israel is near and dear to my heart. I wish the Americans voting in the upcoming elections all wisdom and discernment and that they may continue to pray for all that are in authority."
Fumnanya Igbedior (Nigerian in Poland): Vote for the candidate who will reflect Christ's commands
"At a time when the U.S. is deeply divided, they must remember Christ's command to love one's neighbour, including those who may differ politically," Fumnanya Igbedior, pastor of The Way Int’l Church in Poznan, Poland.
"As a pastor, I view this upcoming U.S. election through the lens of faith, calling for prayerful discernment and a commitment to values that reflect God's love and justice. This election offers an opportunity to consider the moral implications of the American's choices, particularly in areas like caring for the vulnerable, promoting peace, and stewarding creation. Believers need to approach this season not with fear or division, but with a spirit of unity, seeking the common good above partisan interests. At a time when the U.S. is deeply divided, they must remember Christ's command to love one's neighbour, including those who may differ politically. Votes should reflect a desire for righteousness, justice, and compassion, seeking leaders who will uphold integrity and serve with humility. Above all, they must trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that His kingdom transcends earthly politics, and commit to being agents of peace in a turbulent time."
William Yoder (American in Russia): Choice between the plague and cholera
"As a citizen of both the USA and Russia, I desperately want the war to end", says Dr. William Yoder, who is a retired church news journalist living in Russia.
"The U.S. presidential election is no exercise in democracy. Kamala Harris has never won a presidential primary and was picked by party dealers in a back room.
This election is "a choice between the plague and cholera". I will call Donald Trump the cholera option, the lesser evil. That is because the Trump administration offers the sole chance to halt the Ukraine war anytime soon. And I, a citizen of both the USA and Russia, desperately want that war to end.
There is probably no difference between the two candidates on the issue of Palestine. Here, the voter has no alternative. In great contrast to the proportional representation practised in Europe, third parties are chanceless during national elections in the USA."
Igor Bandura (Ukraine): Next U.S. president must continue to support Ukraine
"The war is the key issue for us Ukrainians. Today, we are not interested in the intricacies of political programs. We just want to survive in this cruel war!" Igor Bandura is the senior vice president of the Ukrainian Baptist Union.
"Today, the two main news topics in Ukraine are the war and the elections in the USA. Everyone is aware that, without exaggeration, the U.S. presidential election results will have huge consequences for themselves. The United States remains our strategic partner in our fight against Russia's attempts to destroy us as a state and as a people. Bicameral support is important for us. The war is a critical issue for us Ukrainians. We just want to survive in this cruel war.
We want the winning candidate to continue supporting Ukraine until our final victory and the advent of a just peace. We know that our brothers and sisters in the USA—evangelical believers—are the driving force of the election. We know that millions of Christians sincerely support us and pray for us. Who would be better for us, Ukrainians? We don't know.
But from the experience of the past two and a half years, we know that all elected politicians do what is necessary and what is right only when they are accompanied, warned and guided by the prayers of Christians. We are not U.S. citizens, so we do not vote or interfere in elections. But as Christians, we pray freely and with great hope for the results."
Harris gets 75 pct among evangelicals in Sweden
Kamala Harris gets overwhelming support from church ministers in Swedish evangelical denominations. In a survey from the Christian daily Dagen among 227 church ministers, she receives 76 per cent of the ‘votes’. Only 13 per cent goes to Trump.
This picture is exactly the opposite of the situation among evangelicals in the US itself.
One of the Swedish preachers who would go for Harris responded: “I don’t like her position on abortion, but I would never support the liar, the swindler, the schemer and the xenophobic Trump.”
Another respondent compared the dilemma with “plague or cholera”: “One wants to kill children until birth, the other hates everyone who is not native. Why can’t they find some sensible candidates? There must be sane people in the US, too.”
According to the survey, Harris has the most support in the Swedish Alliance Mission (90 per cent), while Trump has zero support there. The lowest Harris gets is among the Pentecostals (63 per cent); Trump ‘peaks’ there at 21 per cent.
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