Why should Churches engage with politics?
The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu once famously observed, “When people say that religion and politics don’t mix, I wonder which Bible it is they are reading.”
The Bible tells the story of God’s intimate concern with how human societies are ordered and governed, and stresses the particular responsibilities of those with power to judge wisely, act mercifully, protect the vulnerable, speak truth, and uphold justice. Through the incarnation, Jesus immersed himself in the injustices and sufferings of the world and the political issues of his day. Engagement with politics is one vital way that Christians live out his commandment to love our neighbours.
Loving Our Neighbour
Jesus calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37) recognising all people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), worthy of dignity and respect.
Many churches already demonstrate this love through initiatives like food banks, yet despite this work demand keeps rising.
Engaging in politics enables churches to take this call to love our neighbour a step further by challenging systems that leave people vulnerable in the first place.
Seeking Justice
The pursuit of justice begins with God; justice is both God’s work and very nature and we are invited to participate in it (Isaiah 61:8).
Seeking justice is a core biblical principle, God’s people are consistently reminded to actively seek justice and prioritise the marginalised (Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17).
Justice issues are inherently political and the bible challenges structural injustice critiquing kings and leadership (1 Samuel 8).
The Flourishing of Creation
God entrusts humanity with stewardship of the earth (Genesis 1:26-28) so we must strive for right relationships between people, planet and God.
We are living beyond the limits of our planet and environmental injustice impacts the poorest. Reacting to these environmental crises cannot be solved by individual action alone, we need to see action from our government. Therefore we need to engage with politics to advocate and pray for policies that promote flourishing for all creation.
Ambassadors for the Kingdom
As followers of Christ, we live in the “now and not yet” of God’s kingdom. While we long to see the restoration, we are called to reflect God’s character in the world today, living in hope (Jeremiah 29:7).
By engaging in politics with listening, kindness and truthfulness, we can be salt and light, demonstrating God’s kingdom values within our communities.
Interested in taking this further?
Click here to find out out how you can join a network of churches developing positive and meaningful relationships with their MPs