Faith in local politics
-
The Anabaptist Network is a relational network of individuals and churches. Looking for authentic expressions of discipleship and community in achanging culture where Christians are now on the margins, we value theinsights of the Anabaptist tradition.
The Anabaptist movement began in Europe in the 16th century and, despitesustained persecution, survived and spread by migration and mission. It isnow a global family of churches and networks.
Visit the Anabaptist Network site at
www.anabaptistnetwork.com
By Andrew Francis
For many in the Anabaptist Network, the local elections in early May raised faith issues for us. This is because several of the 'Church-State' issues, which Anabaptist-flavoured Christians (amongst others) have historically questioned, become focussed afresh in the different local issues affecting our neighbourhoods.
Many of us have political sympathies forged by our family backgrounds. Both my grandfathers were Trade Union officials, my Dad is a retired pastor, my Mum worked for Christian Aid and I have served as a shop-steward before ordination. Christian responsibility for us meant voting was as important as breathing in 'working for change'. Our families and the congregations we joined were all committed to seeing Jesus set our values - rather than the Christ of the historic Church.
Recently, at a conference, I had to do an overnight exercise which identified the six core values of the 'Jesus community to which I wanted to belong'. The more I thought, prayed, reflected and wrote the harder it became to say 'this six'. I admit I began with the Anabaptist Network core values but then I read the guidance notes again, demanding my six had an 'immediate practical outworking, rather than abstract theology'. Whilst leaving you to work out the/my other five, the third was easy: 'a commitment to fair-trade, justice, peace and green issues'.
As the first electioneering leaflets arrived, I found myself surprised again at which prospective councillors (and parties!) most easily reflect 'my' values in terms of their manifesto and individual track record. As I prayed through whom to vote for, I asked 'what would Jesus do ?' ... and even more importantly how would He react when my duly-elected councillors do not live up to their promises?