Opportunity

The impending General Election comes at a time of immense national uncertainty and apprehension. It is a great opportunity for Christians to witness to their faith. Following the catastrophic collapse of our banking system there is a widespread lack of confidence, not least, in our politicians. We are in a spiritual crisis not just a financial crisis. An immense gulf exists between the people and the political parties. The expenses scandal, coupled with the excessive use of the Whip system, has generated cynicism and has alienated many from the political process. There is widespread disillusionment. Many are simply bored with politics and parties. As Christians we must not be resigned to the future of our country being in the hands of politicians. We can make a difference through prayer and action. Over the years membership of the political parties has declined. Local church membership is infinitely greater than the constituency parties. Year by year, fewer people, particularly the young, use their vote and in many elections the majority choose to stay at home. Many people do not realise that the present Government commands the support of barely 22% of the electorate and only 36% of the votes cast. It is vital that Christians use their vote to promote candidates standing for Godly principles.

So, what should be the role of Christians as we approach polling day? Biblically, we are clearly encouraged to be salt to the earth and light in the world. This means taking interest and being involved in local and national life, making a stand for justice for all and witnessing to the truth of our faith. We have an obligation to pray for those in authority and to pray and work for the establishment of the Kingdom of God.The Christian Gospel is about transformation. This involves radical change in the ordinary lives of individual men and women and radical change in society. Some politicians would have us believe that religious conviction is a purely private matter. They are wrong. The fact is that the Gospel is public truth. Our heritage is fundamentally Christian. The foundations of our national institutions are built on the Christian faith. If we allow them to be destroyed the entire structure will be in danger of decay and collapse. In recent years there has been a sustained political assault on Judaeo-Christian values in our society. Militant atheists and secular humanists have obtained key positions of power and influence in politics and the media. Under the guise of ‘pluralism’ they are today resolutely seeking to de-Christianise the United Kingdom. Many believe that we are witnessing a struggle for the soul of our nation. This is surely the central issue for the General Election.

Initiative

In my experience most Parliamentary Candidates are ready and willing to meet small groups of electors with genuine concerns. They will rarely decline an invitation to a home for an informal meeting over a cup of tea. Such meetings should be short, carefully arranged and non-confrontational. If the sitting MP is present it is always a courtesy to express appreciation for his work for the constituency. These meetings can be useful as a preparatory step to further discussions with the elected member after the Election. More formal meetings can be arranged and may be very fruitful if well publicised throughout the locality. Perhaps you can discuss with your Priest the possibility of having a short meeting with each candidate separately after Mass or alternatively at a specially convened parish meeting. It may be helpful to gather people with particular areas of concern such as local teachers, doctors, unemployed people or those involved in child care to put questions relevant to their fields of concern. In past elections there have been ecumenical gatherings with all candidates present on the basis of an ‘Any Questions?’ format. These are interesting and enable electors to compare the candidates. However, personal contact is always best. Special interest groups such as ‘pro-life’ can visit candidates’ campaign headquarters on a more formal basis with the event being announced in the local press. In the run up to Polling Day it is good to start correspondence in the local newspaper columns on crucial issues by writing a letter to the editor. Direct personal letters to each candidate are helpful but generally only have minor impact unless several hundred Christians can be persuaded to write letters on specific key issues. If this happened we could undoubtedly secure a radical change in the political climate. It can be helpful to say to each candidate that their reply will be publicised in the local neighbourhood. All this depends upon the arguments being well articulated and supported with relevant, reliable and factual evidence.

Challenge

The General Election is an opportunity for Christians to drive key issues to the top of the political agenda and to bring crucial ethical issues into the public debate by asking relevant questions such as these:

• What are you prepared to do to defend the rights and dignity of every human being? Where do you stand with regard to abortion and euthanasia?

• What will you do to support the marriage-based family, which is the basic building block of a civilised society, to enhance the safety and security of our children?

• What are you prepared to do to protect children from the corruption of so-called ‘value-free’ sex education within schools?

• What are you prepared to do to give hope to our young people, especially the hundreds of thousands across the land who are not in education, not in employment and not in training and who are rapidly losing hope?

• What are you prepared to do to protect Christians in the United Kingdom who are increasingly suffering discrimination because of their faith?

The Maranatha Community can provide a substantial volume of factual information about our sick and disordered society. In the run up to the General Election it will be providing Briefing Notes for Christians nationally.

If there is any major local issue in your parish the election affords you the opportunity to present it to the candidates. Furthermore, if there is a particular Christian initiative being taken in your neighbourhood why not invite the candidates to come and see it? They love photographs and this kind of publicity! It is crucially important that we encourage young people to become involved in the political debates and, again, there is an opportunity for special ‘focus’ groups comprising first-time voters to meet the candidates for brief question-and-answer sessions.

It should not be assumed that MPs and other Parliamentary Candidates are fully aware or sensitive to the seriousness of our national situation. Similarly, many in our churches are not fully aware of what is happening but when they are informed they are activated. In local constituencies we can focus the attention of both the public and politicians on areas neglected by the media, such as the ruthless persecution of millions of Christians for their faith, which is happening on a global scale today. It is important that we should all face up honestly to the grave social issues facing us today and the opportunity we have to bring change. We need to consider these in prayer and ask God what initiatives He wants us to take.

Prophetic Voice

If Christians are to have an impact on the life of the nation we must cease to be passive observers in the election process and play a dynamic and active role in the public debate. We must not withdraw from the battle or the debating arena. Church members must be encouraged to become active within the various political parties.

It is important to start planning a General Election strategy now. If we wait until the announcement of the Election it will be too late. Well organised pressure groups often representing small minorities, antagonistic to the Christian faith, can often dominate the political debate. The driving energy for effective Christian witness comes from Spirit-filled Christians with a genuine love for humankind and a deep passion for the Kingdom.

Prayer and action go together. Personal holiness and social righteousness go hand in hand. The Gospel is indivisible.

Note: The Maranatha Community will be providing Briefing Notes and prayers for Christians immediately the General Election is announced. For info about the Community see www.maranathacommunity.org.uk

Dennis Wrigley is the prophetic leader of the "Maranatha Community", an Ecumenical Christian network dedicated to renewal, evangelisation and healing.