An Independent Perspective - The Politics Series

Continuing our series of posts engaging with Christians of different political persuasions, we turn now to a particularly interesting piece, from Independent Brighton Councillor Christina Summers. If you've just joined us, or this is the first time reading this blog, then you might like to read this introduction, Johnny's piece on why Christians disagree in/over politics, as well as interviews with representatives from Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative, UKIP and Green perspectives. Johnny then told us why we should consider 'Voting for Losers', and we most recently heard from a representative of The Whig Party. Without further ado, then, over to Christina!

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As the the most crucial General Election in decades draws near, I am deeply concerned about the position that the church at large, and Christians as individual electors, are taking. For many, at best, there is an honest ignorance about how to carry out this particular function, and an inevitable panic about what to do. At worst, a cloud of indifference hovers over those who see little relevance between events within the political realm - no matter how momentous - and their own individual spheres of activity and influence.

As a standing independent councillor in the city of Brighton & Hove my sense of anticipation is increasingly heightened as I debate, with some vigour, both the national and local scenes as they unfold daily with fresh promises and pledges from the political parties designed to entice the floating, disillusioned or first-time voter into marking their cross against the one that makes the greatest number of promises, the boldest pledges, who knocks on the most number of doors, and who publishes the biggest media headlines by polling day. 

My anticipation is not rooted in political intellect or wisdom borne from experience in this field (I’ve only been a politician for 4 years), but it is spiritual – “born of the Spirit”. It’s a personal conviction that has grown over the last three years since my dramatic shift out of the party political model of government (as a member of the UK’s first Green administration elected in May 2011 I was expelled for voting against same-sex marriage) into the solitary mode of political independence, and an entire dependence on God.

So what have I learnt from my short political career so far as a Christian of many years who understands that, having been “born again” (with a brand new identity in Jesus Christ, a completely new mind, and a unique destiny marked out by God), I can only truly influence these elections if I walk this walk in the Spirit? How does this inform my approach to the elections, and what can I encourage others to consider, and do, before they mark their ballot papers?

Here are some key points to take hold of that have transformed my thinking as I consider the merits of independence - of spirit if not party:

The key issues driving each party’s election campaign are not the key issues for transformation. The economy, health service, environment, immigration etc are all undeniably important but they are secondary, and elevating any one above the others won’t usher in genuine well-being and prosperity for this nation. Far more fundamental and foundational are issues of life itself, of freedom and of rightful relationships supremely modelled in the “traditional” family. Do we honestly believe that our economy will flourish or that our health service could ever be sustainable unless God's family order is re-established?

Since God says that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" how can we, with a clear conscience, possibly ignore (and, therefore, sanction) the killing of 200,000 unborn children a year in the UK, or the deliberate, systematic dismantling of the family as defined by God, or the numerous increasing cases of Christians driven to legal action to reclaim their freedom? Instead of vilifying our own for shouting "persecution" (as if that only happens in the Middle East, or comes suddenly overnight), we ought to be those watchmen that recognise persecution from a distance and sound a warning. Our vote is such a warning and all parties need to hear it because, without exception, none are championing these issues. Can they be found in their manifestos?

Democracy is a failed governance model. It's the best we can come up with if we ignore God, but it is ever open to manipulation and abuse, and inevitable compromise. But I see nowhere in God's word where He sanctions us to compromise His truth, and even though standing for His truth is likely - now more than ever - to attract serious opposition, nevertheless He says that the truth will set us free! Our democratic system in the UK has concluded that, this time round, no party will gain a majority after 7th May. That surely cannot come as a surprise when, despite their (often petty) differences, all of them, almost without exception, are united on one thing: their opposition to the issues that matter to God. So can anyone who truly believes in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, in all conscience, align themselves with any party?

Since no party upholds God's blueprint for these key issues that I would maintain are foundational to a healthy, prosperous nation, we should turn to the individual candidates and ask what their personal conviction is on these issues and whether or not, in the event of being elected, they would champion them. It is significant to note that most of them would be considered issues of conscience and, therefore, afforded a free vote, in theory. However, reality has shown that, as in the case of same-sex marriage and other 'conscience' issues, great pressure is exerted on MPs behind the scenes to follow the party line. This is where independence is such an advantage and can, on occasion, even carry the balance of power.

So suddenly the political party becomes an irrelevance and the candidate's own opinion crucial.  

Party and candidate opinion aside, I am convinced that what people are really looking for is personal character rather than promises, and principles rather than pledges. It is character that is God's great concern for every member of His Body, the Church, so that it may come into full maturity in Christ, who is the Head. As Christians, then, we ought to know who we are representing and 

whose authority we carry as we consider who to align with on polling day, whether as a candidate or a voter. 

In the end, it isn't constituents that will appoint the next Government; it is the King of kings who will do that - He never gives us that burden; He simply asks us to be faithful. 

What a relief.

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Christina is an independent councillor for Brighton & Hove, and is standing for re-election on 7th May.

You can find out more about Christina’s work here.

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I hope this this post has helped to explain why some people run as, and vote for, Independent candidates. We hope that it has helped you think through your vote, perhaps particularly if you link politics to faith. Watch this blog or our social media feeds for updates over the coming weeks. In the meantime, I'd love to connect with you via Facebook, or you can find myself and Johnny on Twitter.