[Think Black] Faith Without Works: What To Do When You Can’t Trust The Process?

We are living in a hyper-political world now with a 24/7 news cycle that is always churning out stories, insights, exclusives, mind-numbing facts, and details.  No doubt you have heard and read over the past several months about our biggest story with the most impact on our lives. 

Redistricting has taken up residence in our highest courts and exerted itself as the priority of the times.  The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled on North Carolina’s redistricting maps striking down congressional and legislative maps the state’s Republican-controlled legislature passed in November. The court opined that it was their duty to step in to prevent the implementation of maps that clearly violated the state constitution’s free elections, equal protection, free speech clause, and freedom of assembly clauses.  

Some pretty important principles were at play, but also the forces of the human spirit, integrity, duty, and honor.  No doubt many of the individuals of the parties on all sides of the issues, and there are many sides, were sincere.  The principle that emerged was one of long-standing that the courts are the branch charged with the responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the state constitution, and that is real work. 

The difference between making policy is usually assigned to the legislature and interpreting and enforcing the policies came into sharp focus.  This however is a tension that plays out every day.  Whether smaller cases of debt collection, family law, traffic violations, criminal acts, environmental regulations, rezoning for development, and corporate activity.   We have faith, usually that the right decision will be made, and overlook the effort required to make the system function.

Often the effective operation of the judiciary is applauded, of course when they ruled the way we think they should have, or the judiciary is scorned, and the system is said to be rigged when the judiciary or court process resulted in a decision we opposed.  It is important however to recognize and appreciate the actors in these daily events that happen all over the state and nation. 

No, I’m not talking about the judges or the law enforcement officials and bureaucrats, rather the community organizations and nonprofits that seek to promote and defend the interests of the citizens and the system.  Without them showing their faith by monitoring, promoting, and defending issues, many of the same issues that have evolved into features of our lives that we take for granted, would have never been achieved.  In short “faith without works is dead.”  It is usually heard in a religious context, but it is present in the history and development of almost every facet of our lives.

As we look at the current and real-time court and legislative drama called redistricting it calls for us to “Trust the Process.” Voting rights groups and Republican lawmakers have until 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 to comment on the opposing sides’ maps. The trial court panel must then select a map by noon on Feb. 23.  The parties have to file an emergency appeal of the trial court’s decision and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 23.  

In any case, know that the process relies on us to be involved either individually or through our organizations and institutions.  This is the master class on civics and public policy being taught live with dire consequences should we fail.  Of course, failure is what happens when we refuse to engage in the process by doing our part.  Studying the issues or at least engaging with groups and organizations we trust that do study it for information.  

Sure, you think all you have to do is vote, but how can you truly vote if you don’t know where, when, who, how, and why.  You see all these questions are inextricably woven into the dynamics and effects of the redistricting saga.  

So by all means be the great American and North Carolinian you are by registering to vote and voting, but this year, more so than any previous year, you will need to know where, when, who, how, and why.  As was recently referenced by President Biden, “If we don’t stand for freedom where it is at risk today, we’ll surely pay a steeper price tomorrow.”