I still recall the first time I went to vote. I was excited that I could be involved and play my part in electing a new Member of Parliament.  Actually it still excites me, because so many in history, and even today, have never had such an opportunity or privilege.  There is a danger we lose sight of this, or become weary wondering if it really matters or makes a difference.

So I am writing to you all to encourage you and everyone in God's church to place their cross on the voting papers when the General Election comes.  It is a privilege and a responsibility, one we should exercise and not ignore.  But where should the cross be placed?

Ted Heath, once Prime Minister, wrote that whilst it was not the role of Christian leaders to recommend support for one political party or another, it was their role to enunciate the principles on which political decisions were to be taken.

So what principles are we looking for as we place the cross on the voting paper?

First listen to others, to find out what the issues are, and to listen to God as we worship in these coming days.

Secondly, to be bothered to vote, make voting a prayer time, placing the cross with prayer, faith and care.

Thirdly, to place the cross selflessly considering others and the dignity of all human beings first, especially the poorest and most vulnerable in society and the world.  We should not vote on the basis simply of self-interest.

Fourthly to place the cross dedicating ourselves to be more active in serving our fellow human beings, and thanking God for all he gives us to share, with loving responsibility for our planet, God's good creation, and for one another.

The over riding principle is that we place our cross on the voting paper in the same Spirit that Jesus carried and placed his cross deep in the earth, listening to his Father, in prayer, selflessly for those who were poor, and commending himself and those around to God.

This means, that whilst we vote in partnership with people of all faiths or none, certain parties or individuals cannot be voted for.  Parties who adopt policies that are racist, that divide people against each other, and do not take into account the poorest in society cannot be supported by Christians.

Of course, all of us are sinners, sin infects every political party, everyone standing and everyone voting in the election.  Different Christians will have different opinions and take a different view on some issues, which is why a Christian party will never be all embracing.  But all of us are called as Christians to join in the debates taking place now on the nature of our society and what really matters.  All Christians are called to vote. If standing up for that can be seen as foolish by some today, we know that through Christians standing up for election (and do pray especially for them) and through Christians voting and living out faith in society then the power of God will be seen moving in our nation.

"For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1.18).

Let us pray together.....

Lord of all,
rich and poor, young and old, the helpless and the helper,
we pray for those who are standing for election
and for all those who will be voting in these challenging times.
Give them wisdom, insight and moral courage to act as you desire.
Guide their decisions, Lord, whether or not they acknowledge your guiding hand upon them.
As we receive news of policies made, actions taken,
may your eyes be ours as we read the press,
may your ears be ours as we hear the news,
may your reactions be ours as we process our thoughts.
Thank you Lord that we do have a role in decision making, when we bring our intercessions to you, whose government is perfect and without end.

(Adapted from a Mother's Union Prayer)

Further Action

I recommend the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website (www.ctbi.org.uk) and in particular the article by Bishop Laurie Green, Bishop of Bradwell, "General Election 2010 - a Theology" and the short paper "Planning a Hustings Meeting."

+ Paul

CHURCHES GETTING READY

It is easy to forget the power of our democratic process.  At least once every 5 years all citizens, regardless of wealth or status, have a vote which helps to decide what our common future will be.

A general election will be held sometime before 3 June 2010.  Many people are predicting that it will be held on 6 May, the same date as local elections in around 134 English Local Authorities and all London Boroughs.

Work is in progress on resources to help churches and Christians in general to prepare for the election.  These materials will not support a 'Church' view or party line, but wil aim to help Christians engage with a range of important issues facing our country, however they may decide to vote.

Churches Together in England and Ireland are developing a number of useful resources for churches as we draw closer to a general election.
http://www.ctbi.org.uk/CFH/427

LINKS TO RESOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION

A number of useful resources are available to help churches counter extremist political parties.

Archbishops' Council: Mission and Public Affairs Division - a guidance note
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/socialpublic/crp/crp2010.pdf

Baptist Union - guidelines for dealing with extremist political parties
http://www.baptist.org.uk/resources/social_political_resources.asp?section=95

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland - Racial Justice and the Ballot Box
http://www.ctbi.org.uk/CBA/265

These offer theological resources, policy statements and practical strategies.  Look at these now and be prepared before the election.

World Poverty Day Agreed
All three main parties have agreed that World Poverty Day, the date in the election campaign dedicated to international development, will be on the third Sunday before Election Day Sunday 18th April.  Log onto
http://www.voteglobal.org.uk/ Building momentum and profile of our issues in the lead up to, during and after World Poverty Day, through events, media and new media actions is one of the many ways you can ensure that interational development is on the political agenda in the election campaign. This website includes a map of development-related hustings and signposts to actions people can take.

FaithWorks
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have told Steve Chalke and Faithworks about their plans for seeing faith groups take a more active role in the public arena in a series of exclusive interviews. Broadcast as part of Radio 4's Sunday programme on 11 April, the three main political party leaders spoike enthusiastically about how the Christian connunity can help deliver vital services under the next administration.
http://www.faithworks.info/form.asp?id=9076

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.