Elections

The upcoming presidential elections are right in our faces these days.

The Amish face a different election, the selection of preachers and deacons in their church district. Selection practices differ among various churches, but they derive from the traditions of the first generation Anabaptists.

A brother, among other attributes, must be of strong personality to handle the responsibilities of this position. After it is announced at a church service, there is time for reflection and prayer for the brother who may be chosen, as he has a great burden to carry in this position. Ending days of consideration, there is an ordination service. Members pass an open door and whisper into the ear of a brother the name of the candidate they feel would be a good leader. This name is recorded. The candidates with the most votes come into the lot. This is a practice coming from the apostles choosing a replacement for Judas. Hymnals are produced with one of them containing a slip of paper with a Bible verse on it. The books are shuffled and each candidate chooses one. The brother who chooses the hymnal with the Bible verse in it, is then ordained for office. This office is held for life, unless the bearer of the office commits a serious misdemeanor, whereupon he is “brought to a stop in office”.

A standard voice for the Amish has never existed, meaning there is no main Amish church. Each church is autonomous. There have been gatherings of church leaders to discuss interpretation of the Bible and how to apply it to Amish life. Yet, each church decides for itself if it will follow.

Carol