Having said that, you may not yet know who you are going to vote for. In what is predicted to be one of the most open-ended contests in living memory, Christians are among a variety of target groups that the political parties have been seeking to woo.
Since the start of the year, we’ve aimed to put you directly in touch with the key party leaders in a series of ‘Election Specials’. Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have both made the case for why Christians and the Church should back their respective parties. In this edition, David Cameron lays out his own vision for a society undergirded by Christian principles alongside statements from other parties in the running.
Additionally, we’ve sought the views of a variety of Christians, asking them what issues will influence their votes at the ballot box. You can read some of the responses as well as the insightful words of Lord Richard Harries, as he examines the Christian principles that make for a healthy political democracy.
So where does this leave us? There are many voices clamouring for our attention as election day approaches. The Bible doesn’t inform Christians which party to vote for, it merely instructs believers to be good citizens of the state and pray for those in authority. Judgement now resides with each one of us.
When asked whether he believed God was on his side during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln is reported to have replied: ‘Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.’
Wherever our pen falls on the ballot paper on 7th May, we would do well to remember Lincoln’s words and pray that whichever party we support, we will always seek to be on the side of God.
PS. We bid a fond farewell to two amazing contributors this month. Joy Tibbs has served as a brilliant interim deputy editor for ten months, and Martin Saunders, our superb culture columnist, has penned his last contribution for a while. God bless you both.
