It is quite likely that the title today may concern some.  Let me attempt in a very brief way to both reassure and at the same time, talk on this topic we are usually silent about.  I grew up in a home that was comfortable talking about the then three topics to avoid; politics, faith and sex.  I'm just reframing the politics bit for some scrutiny today.

There are several Scriptures that inform our attitudes about the Christian and the socio-political world.  Some of these are:  John 3:17(not to condemn the world); Micah 6:8(to act justly); Romans 13:1-7 (authority); I Corinthians 13(love); Matthew 22:21 (render unto Caesar).  These are influential even pivotal texts, but does faith or the themes from these texts have any relevance on a Christian and how they vote?  Let me start by saying some very simple things.

Many sincere Christians have found ways to justify voting from the left to the right and back again.  Does it really matter?

There is no Biblical imperative or instruction to vote any particular way.

On any specific issue there are some political parties that are more Biblical than others at least some of the time; but never all of the time.

None of the five main parties in Canada have a legitimate call as a Christian's political allegiance.    They may think they do.  Some Christians may wish they did.  They do not.

If you vote for purely partisan or political reasons and do not seriously pray and contemplate your Christian faith and responsibility, then you are telling the Lord that your personal politics are more important than your relationship with Christ.  That doesn't mean to say we can't have passionate, partisan and political views; of course we can.  But our political views are subservient to our faith, period.

Yes, there are some wise philosophical questions to ask any political party about economics, social and personal responsibilities, the vulnerable and weak, and a whole host of other issues.  But where do you begin?

As my own Province goes to vote on May 12, I will too.  There is a serious theological contingent like Stanley Hauerwas that shuns voting; so be it; I disagree but respect.  I will reflect on the issues, especially in these times when you need both compassion for the poor and an ability to have a sound economy (no, you can't vote twice).  I will reflect on the passages I just listed and I also pray with thanksgiving that Alexander McKenzie (the second Prime Minister and a Liberal), John Diefenbaker (a Conservative) and Tommy Douglas (and NDP'er) are all Baptists from this clan.  This year I will use a simple template for my vote.  I will read Galatians 5:16-26, about the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.  I will pray for my own transformation and I will vote for the candidate and perhaps the party that shows the greatest signs of the fruit of the Spirit.

So when your own impulse to hear from Christian friends from across the political spectrum or when you hear that impulse to vote from self-interest and not as a believer:  resist.  This time in the next municipal, provincial or federal election, this time, in the name of our Lord, vote after first having sought the will of the Lord.

I am not meaning to offend or argue but simply to encourage a re-rootedness.

Warmly

In Christ,

Jeremy

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The three Regional Ministers (Rob Ogilvie, Ken Thiessen and Sam Breakey), along with our Clergy Care coordinator John Prociuk, are in the process of re-examining, re-framing and changing the gatherings that were known as the Listening Sessions.

They have been renamed "Partnering Sessions" in clusters or groupings representing 8 geographical regions rather than 14. The emphasis is on sharing and reflection with in smaller groups of churches within the larger gathering.

On March 28^th we gathered in Asquith to meet with the Saskatchewan area churches. I am very grateful to the 12 churches out of 20 that ventured forth on that Saturday afternoon. I understand that some churches had other commitments but it was very disappointing that more would not continue the deepening cooperation and fellowship we have been building in these last 2 years.

My thanks to the Asquith church family who hosted us: Jeff Zacharias, Deirdre Zacharias, Jason Metcalfe, Barry & Peggy Rice, Nettie Johnston, Joshua Goetz. The new emphasis of these sessions places a greater responsibility on the regional office and on the administrator and less of an emphasis on the denomination as a whole. CBWC staff were present to offer encouragement and resources.

The sharing time, prayer and discussion were, from my point of view, excellent.

I'll end my comments on three notes; please prayerfully support these new partnerships with your presence. Secondly, praise God for stories ; this session was for me the story of the Moosimin church going on a cycle fundraiser gathering $12,000; half from refugees and half for local needs. Amen.

Lastly, I want to include the following excellent paragraph from Asquith's report. As you read it remember that Asquith has 450 people, 1000 in the area and has over 150 members and adherents or over 15% of their neighbourhood... how outstanding is that? A teachable challenge for the CBWC?

Asquith Baptist is just like an other church, we have struggles, we don't always agree on everything, and we sometimes get carried away and begin to run ahead of God instead of beside Him, and yet at the heart of our church I believe is a real desire to become the people and the church that God desires us to be. That means we all have to give up some things while at the same time picking up new things that God has intended for us. We cover the prayers of the CBWC staff as well as from the other churches within the Heartland Area.

Warmly

In Christ,

Jeremy