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Voting
June 1, 2009
Dear Friends,
On 4 June every adult in the UK will have the opportunity to vote in the European Parliament Elections. There will also be some English County Council elections including for ourselves.
The European Union directly influences many aspects of our lives and the European Parliament is the only EU body elected by its citizens, and it is important for all 27 member countries.
At present many people are concerned about the extremist views of the BNP and with that in mind our Methodist President Stephen Poxon writes, “Voting isn’t just a right - it is a privilege that carries great responsibility. A high turnout at the ballot box is good for democracy and society and will make it harder for extremist parties to succeed.”
I had intended to highlight these matters in our June Newsletter before the recent high profile publicity was given to the issue of MP’s expenses. This has proved to be a very difficult time for our Parliament, as well as for individual Members of Parliament. There are many comments that could be made about these revelations but what I would like to focus on is the need for us as Christians to pray for those who take on roles of public office.
Saint Paul wrote to Timothy: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4. It is interesting to see that Paul links praying for those in authority with people being saved and coming to know the truth.
Some people might find that a big link to make but genuine prayer for our society shows how those concerns are linked. Therefore, as we go to the ballot boxes on June 4th, let us be quicker to pray than anything else.
With warmest Christian Greetings
God Bless you,
Kath
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