In a recent unfolding of events, a monastery found itself at the center of a political storm when a Republican operative leveled allegations of voter fraud against them. The monks and sisters, however, did not shy away from their civic responsibility, standing their ground firmly to protect the integrity of their actions.
The controversy started when a GOP operative, identified as James Hartley, accused a monastery in Virginia of participating in widespread voter fraud during the 2020 presidential elections. This allegation caused a major stir, providing more fuel to the ongoing debate about the authenticity of the voting process.
Hartley backed his allegations by citing the unusual pattern of 100% voter turnout at the monastery, terming it as suspicious and highly improbable. He furthered his argument mentioning a large number of absentee ballots received from the monastery which he claimed were manipulated to favor one particular party over the other.
But these allegations did not go unanswered. The sisterhood and brotherhood, often leading lives of prayer and reflection, stepped forward to clear their reputation. Led by Sister Mary Frances, the nuns robustly debunked the allegations, terming them as ‘baseless and unfounded’.
Sister Mary gave a detailed account of the steps taken by the monastery to ensure every member was educated about their right to vote and the significance of their participation in shaping the nation’s future. This, she explained, contributed to the 100% voter turnout, which Hartley pointed out as ‘suspicious’. She also provided an open invitation to any skeptics to come and see how the monastery promotes civic responsibility amongst its members.
Furthermore, the nuns clarified the issue regarding the large scale use of absentee ballots. Being a part of a contemplative order of nuns, their way of life often requires seclusion and solitude. They argued that using absentee ballots was a measure adopted not to manipulate the voting process, but to retain their way of life while being active participants in civic processes.
Throughout this ordeal, the nuns have remained steadfast, demonstrating what religious scholar Elaine Pagels calls a quiet activism.” Their commitment to ensuring that every voice counts and that democracy functions as it should is commendable, especially when faced with strong opposing views.
The GOP operative’s accusations had the potential to tarnish the image of the monastery. Yet, their resistance and transparent clarification highlighted their commitment to active and fair participation in the electoral process. It underscored the fact that these nuns and monks are not just passive observers but active participants in