With an election set for 4 July, it is a crucial time for evangelicals to think and pray about how they engage in politics.
The Evangelical Alliance is resourcing churches and Christians across the UK to respond in a way that places their faith in Jesus at the centre of their political engagement.
The organisation recently released Thinking faithfully about politics, based on a survey of nearly 1,400 evangelicals in the UK and found a high appetite for engagement in politics, diverse opinions and priorities, and frustration at how the political system operates. The report also set out that policies which support those most in need topped the list of factors influencing how they vote.
Danny Webster, director of advocacy for the Evangelical Alliance, commented on the election announcement: “This election is a chance for evangelicals to demonstrate the good news of Jesus as they prayerfully consider how to engage.
“We know evangelicals represent, campaign for, and support all the mainstream parties and we want to see that engagement influence the direction of our nations.
“Evangelicals’ care for the most vulnerable was clearly illustrated in our recent research and we know as the campaign unfolds, they will be engaging with parties and candidates to see how they would act if entrusted with power and authority.”
The Evangelical Alliance is encouraging three key areas of focus during this election campaign.
First to pray for our politicians, our political systems and all those who seek to exercise authority.
Second to think about what your faith has to say about key issues facing the UK and our world. We will be producing a number of resources including special episodes of our Cross Section podcast and features from member organisations engaged in particular policy areas.
Finally, the election is about more than voting day, it is a chance to build relationships in communities across our nations. The Evangelical Alliance is keen to see churches engage with candidates, hold hustings events and continue that relationship with whoever is elected. This is a chance for churches to demonstrate the good news to politicians through their words and actions and demonstrate the vital place for Christianity in our public life.
Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, said: “At this vital time for our nations I am encouraged by how evangelicals are already engaged and passionate about how we can make Jesus known. This is a time to prayerfully consider how politics and our engagement can be part of our witness to Him and His kingdom we are praying will come.”
Find out more about the Evangelical Alliance’s election resources at eauk.it/ge24
Thinking faithfully about politics
Our latest research offers a snapshot of how evangelicals think and act as they engage in politics Read report now
