Minister's letter, May 2010

The Power of The Cross.

The expenses scandal, the global recession and the inquiry into the legality of the Iraq war, have given us new reasons to doubt the integrity and ability of politicians. In a recent survey, 73% of the public said they think politicians do not tell the truth. And yet hope is a Christian virtue and so we cannot give in to despair or cynicism. With the general election just around the corner, how will we decide whom to vote for and how will our faith influence that decision? Jesus asked His followers to be salt and light in the world, and one way we can do this is by using our voices and our votes for the greater good. After all, some of the most influential decisions in the world and in our communities are made in the political arena. These include: how much money is spent reacting to international disasters; whether or not we go to war; legislation on religious freedom and abortion; whether your (grand) children are bombarded with advertising in school; and our local council’s attitude to the homeless. The fact that these decisions affect us is why we can’t avoid politics. The fact that they affect others means we have a duty not to ignore it. After all, they are the neighbours Jesus told us 'love as ourselves.'

Canon J.John, Christian writer and broadcaster, gives us this helpful advice when considering which candidate to vote for:

"We might want to ask whether they are genuinely committed to moral values or do they simply adopt whatever is the current fashionable view? Does the candidate place their party’s ideology above everything else? Would they be prepared to vote against the party line on moral grounds? Are they grappling with the bigger issues, or are they simply interested in small-scale day to day matters? Perhaps, above all, we should ask whether potential candidates seek to be elected in order to serve their self-interest or the interest of others."

Another useful resource is the election website produced by CARE at www.makethecrosscount2010.net

This includes election prayer points, Bible studies, contributions from Christian leaders and thinkers, and policy papers researched and written by CARE’S public affairs team.

Let’s all pray that the election outcome will be in keeping with God’s will, and will help to extend the Kingdom that was at the heart of Jesus’ life and teaching.