As local assembly elections approach, the Bishop of Down and Dromore has urged Christians to critically engage with the issues and to consider hosting election hustings on church premises.
Bishop Harold Millar said, “On 5 May this year, the people of Northern Ireland will be going to the polls to elect the membership of a new Assembly. With all the faults and failings of the Assembly in Stormont, it is a great tribute to the people of Northern Ireland that we have enough political stability to arrive at this point. Indeed, it is something for which we should be profoundly thankful to Almighty God.
“Might I encourage Christian people all over the province to engage in focused prayer for those who lead us politically, and for those who will be elected for the next stage of our lives together. The next weeks will also be an opportunity to think through carefully the principles on which we vote. It is easy here in Ulster to vote simply on tribal lines, or simply to vote for those whom we believe will make life most comfortable and rewarding for us as individuals. For Christians the perspective needs to be wider. We might ask:
What are the policies which are being suggested to meet the needs of the poorest of the poor in these days of financial strictures?
What are the policies which will best enable the people of Northern Ireland to work together positively as one community?
What are the ethical and moral principles on which we are seeking to build our society?
“During the run up to the last UK elections, I was very pleased to see several churches and church halls being opened up as ‘hustings’, and giving candidates from all parties the opportunity to explain their policies and answer questions. Some of these attracted a very large number of people. I would like to encourage that to happen again this time, and more churches to engage with it.”
You may check out Care’s website: Make The Cross Count 2011 for Northern Ireland
http://www.makethecrosscount2011.net/northernireland/