Help! I am a Christian. Is it OK not to vote?

The issues that matter to Christians do not map neatly onto one political party, according to recent research by the Evangelical Alliance. Could not voting ever be the best option for believers? Dr Pat Finlow explores

The Christian call to engagement in the forthcoming General Election was thoughtfully made by James Mildred in these pages a few days ago. And it was encouraging to read that Christians take this responsibility very seriously, especially when it comes to voting, as they prayerfully consider the pros and cons of each party’s policy positions.

But for some, this responsibility comes with a dilemma: If they vote for a party because they support some of their policy positions, does their vote also make them culpable for decisions made by that party with which they profoundly disagree? Would it be better, in that case, not to vote at all and keep a clear conscience?

While I recognise the heartfelt concerns expressed by this perspective, I disagree (agreeably I hope!) with the suggestion that not voting is a viable way to resolve this particular conundrum.