A Liberal Democrat election view: A ‘change’ election

This general election feels very much like a ‘change’ election. People feel things are broken; they are disillusioned and seeking something different.

But disillusionment often means looking for someone to blame. Elections should of course highlight dividing lines between parties, but any ‘us versus them’ debate that actively pits groups against each other should be a red flag to Christians. We mustn’t lose sight of the dignity and worth of our opponents as human beings.

Another danger is the temptation to pin all our hopes on a new government or individual to put everything right. But in today’s economic climate, there are limits on what they can achieve. And as Christians we must always remember that politics will never bring ultimate restoration and salvation. Only Christ can do that.

Yet we must also remember that Jesus chose to enter this world and live alongside us. He cared for people’s earthly as well as spiritual needs. God expects us to pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly with Him and to seek the welfare of our nation, and elections are an opportunity to consider what we want this to look like. Politics is a key way to fulfil our God-given calling to steward His creation and love our neighbour.

Engaging in politics generally means picking a side. I joined the Liberal Party at 16 and became a Christian at 18. It would have been a neater testimony to have done it the other way round! But I have always known I am in the right party.

British Liberalism was founded in the battle for religious liberty by non-conformist, evangelical Christians. Their movement championed freedom not just for religious belief but for women, cultural and regional minorities, and the poor and vulnerable.

I am a Liberal because I believe people should have the freedom to live their lives according to their beliefs, and also have opportunities to fulfil their potential. There are benefits in both public services and private enterprise, in rewarding business and hard work but also tackling poverty and injustice.

I am a Liberal because I believe in protecting our environment and tackling climate change: a theme that resonates strongly with the Biblical mandate to steward the earth and care for creation.

And I am a Liberal because I believe in lofty equality. We are all made in God’s image and of infinite worth, so we should stand up for the rights of those who are different from us and disagree with us. For me this means recognising human dignity and protecting those who are particularly vulnerable, whether those at the start or end of life, or those fleeing their homes to escape persecution or war.

Let’s rejoice that Christians in the UK support different parties. None are perfect and you won’t agree with all their policies. Political parties are made up of flawed people and will get things wrong. But as Christian voters, we have a responsibility to carefully consider who to support, and to pray that we elect politicians of wisdom and integrity.