Where does Boris stand?

On 24 July, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, now known universally as Boris Johnson, became the new Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

He was baptised into the Roman Catholic Church by his mother and confirmed as an Anglican when a teenager. But later in life, when commenting on his own faith, he has simply said it sort of comes and goes. Of course, God alone knows the heart. But it is fair to say that Mr Johnson’s colourful private life suggests he is very much a man of the world.

As we enter this new chapter in our history, with a new Prime Minister in place, it is worth asking ourselves what PM Boris Johnson will mean for Christians. By examining his voting record, it is possible to draw out some conclusions. It is a very mixed bag.

Free speech and persecution

Based on the evidence available, Mr Johnson has supported free speech throughout his various stints as an MP. Back in 2006, he voted against the Second Reading of the Religious Hatred Act (2006). This was a piece of legislation that aimed to codify discrimination against a person on the grounds of their religion, but critics warned it would make major works like the Bible illegal.

As the legislation made its way through Parliament, Mr Johnson also voted for vital Lords amendments to the Bill to correct this obvious issue and, the same year, he also voted to keep the presumption that religious charities provide a public benefit, after the Charities Commission tried to remove it.

During the leadership contest, Mr Johnson promised to protect religious freedom if he was elected PM. In a tweet, he welcomed the Foreign Office’s review into the persecution of Christians abroad. The report showed that 80% of religiously motivated attacks in the world are against Christians and this should now be called ‘Christophobia’.

Assisted suicide and abortion

In 2015, Boris Johnson voted against proposals to legalise assisted suicide during the second reading of the Rob Marris Assisted Dying Bill. He said at the time that he could not support the legislation because of concerns about the reliability of the proposed ‘safeguards’.

One of the most striking features of Mr Johnson’s voting record is how frequently he has been absent or abstained on votes to do with abortion. For example, in 2008, he was absent or abstained on the vote for providing information and offering counselling to women considering abortion for foetal abnormality. He was also absent or abstained on a series of votes for reducing the time limit from 24 weeks in 2008.

He has previously spoken about his personal support for abortion. He also made it clear during the leadership contest that he believed abortion was a matter for the Northern Ireland assembly.

Marriage, sexuality and character

Mr Johnson voted for the Civil Partnership Bill in 2004 and although he never voted on same-sex marriage, he has vocally supported it. In 2003, he voted to repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

Mr Johnson has been sacked for lying. He has had two divorces and is currently going through his third. He has also had multiple affairs. He is currently living with his girlfriend in No 10. His career in politics has been dogged by persistent reports that he is untrustworthy and unreliable.

How should we respond?

As ever, we look to God’s word for guidance as we seek to respond. We are the aroma of Christ, called by our God to flavour and preserve society and to demonstrate both grace and truth.

Firstly, the apostle Peter reminds us to submit to all governing authorities. This pleases God. What authority our PM has ultimately comes from the Lord and, therefore, to serve God means to submit to the rulers He gives us, whatever our personal preferences. The only exception is if they command us to do something contrary to God’s will.

Secondly, we are commanded to pray for those in authority over us. We can pray that God gives them humility, wisdom and grace. In the case of Mr Johnson, we can pray that God saves him and that he becomes a powerful force for good.