CINCINNATI — In a time when many Americans are divided on the election results, many church leaders are working to share a message of unity to their congregation.

​It wasn’t just a normal Sunday at church after the week of election uncertainty. 

But at City Church OTR in Cincinnati, co-pastor Chris Marlin says it’s important to engage with church members about what’s going on in our country and how they can respond. 

“We don’t discourage against having political opinions because we know actually at this church there are people on both sides," Marlin said. "But we can engage helpfully and healthfully, but we don’t have to have an angry tone.”

Marlin started his Sunday sermon with a message of unity and reminded his congregation to respond and engage respectfully.

“I wouldn’t choose this tension for anything but we do have a unique opportunity just to show the world a little bit different way to engage," he said during his sermon.

While church service is often a time we try to forget about the outside world, Marlin says it’s a time to learn from our past mistakes.

“If you celebrated four years ago and you hated how people were complaining, remember that and flip it because again you want to celebrate humbly, but I think we can also mourn respectfully," Marlin said. "And whatever side you’re on, it’s OK to engage in those feelings. It’s not OK to be attacking or back biting or go against each other because ultimately we are Americans.”

Marlin also says to keep everything in perspective. If you are a religious person, remember what’s important in your everyday life.

“The president is so influential," he said. "Some people call him the most influential, most powerful man in the world. But ultimately, he’s not our savior. Donald Trump didn’t save the U.S., Joe Biden’s not going to do it either. They’re going to have really big influence but ultimately if we do have something bigger in common where we come together around Jesus, engage politically — that’s a uniting message.”