Greens - The Politics Series

Continuing our series of posts engaging with Christians of different political persuasions, today is the  turn of the Green Party, with Anthony Smith providing responses. 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, Lib Dem, Conservative and UKIP positions.

-{ How would you describe your party’s political vision in one sentence? }-

The Green Party's strapline is, "for the common good", reflecting a vision for a sustainable and much more equal society, globally, achieved through a shift of power away from the elite few and towards a real grassroots democracy.

-{ What myth/accusation/misunderstanding about your party most frustrates you? }-

Often the Green Party is portrayed as being crazy. It isn’t crazy, but it is certainly calling for a radical shift away from our current systems of global consumerism and corporate power.

-{ What one thing your party has done in the last 25 years makes you, as a Christian, most proud? }-

The Green Party has consistently made sure that environmental issues have remained on the agenda, even at times when no one else was interested. Given the Bible's constant emphasis on the importance of this planet, leading to its ultimate renewal at Christ's return, I think the Green Party has done much that we can be truly thankful for.

-{ Is there any particular in your faith/Christianity that motivates you in your political work? }-

Jesus is Lord of the whole of life, not just the “spiritual” bits, and he sent his church out into the world, not into a comfortable ghetto where we can escape from the world. And Jesus came not to transform only our personal, spiritual lives, but to transform the whole world, through his church being salt and light. This means that Christians should be eager to see Christ’s rule reflected in all aspects of human society, and should be concerned about injustice, poverty and caring for creation. We have the opportunity, so let’s use it!

-{ How did you first get into politics? }-

I was quite apathetic about politics for a long time, and thought that the only thing that mattered was sharing the gospel with people so they could have eternal life. I still think that is extraordinarily important, but I slowly came to appreciate that God is interested in everything else too!

I was living in Brighton at the time of the last General Election, and had quite a lot of first-hand contact with the Green Party. I had also been learning more about Christian perspectives on environmental and political issues. So I eventually joined in 2011. Since then I’ve been keen to support the party locally, and also to network with Christians within the party.

-{ Why should people vote and be involved in society? }-

Either we get involved and vote ourselves, or we leave all the decisions to those who do show up. In a democracy, it’s a neglect of our God-given responsibility if we simply sit back and do nothing. We pray, “Your will be done on earth”, and God gives us the opportunity to be (in part) the answer to that prayer.

-{ What is the most important area/issue this election? }-

The old ways of doing politics have lost the confidence of the people and will not sustain us through the environmental and political upheavals that may well lie ahead. In this election we can vote for something different. Every vote for one of the traditional parties is a vote for the status quo. But every vote for something else is a vote for radical change. It might not happen in 2015, but we can start the ball rolling.

-{ What two policies/priorities which your party has this election do you want Christians in particular to know about? }-

One obvious priority is the environment. No other party is as serious about tackling the wide-ranging environmental issues facing us.

Another priority, which will be very prominent in this election, is social justice. The coalition government has attempted to deal with the budget deficit, but this has disproportionally affected the poorest in our society. This strikes me as deeply unjust.

-{ What other five policies/priorities which your party has this election do you want everyone to know? }-

If I may mention six, that would allow me to mention the themes of the Green Party’s General Election campaign, which are:

1. Public NHS: taking back our health service

2. Fair economy: an economy that works for all

3. Decent homes: secure, affordable housing

4. Safe climate: fossil free, affordable energy

5. Free education: quality education, no tuition fees

6. Better transport: making public transport public

-{ In a sentence, why should someone vote for your party on May 7th? }-

They should make a long-term “tactical” vote for what they believe in, and if they broadly agree with the vision of the Green Party for a “just, equitable and sustainable society”, they should vote Green!

-{ Where can someone find out more about their local Green candidate? }-

At my.greenparty.org.uk/candidates

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Anthony Smith lives in Merseyside and works in computer software. He has been a member of the Green Party since 2011, and has stood as a paper candidate in local elections. In previous lives he has been an organist and an astronomer. His diverse church background includes various flavours of Anglican and evangelical.

Anthony has been involved in setting up a "Christian Greens" group within the Green Party. Any party members who are interested can contact him at anthony@anthonysmith.me.uk. Anthony blogs here and can be found on Twitter here.

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I hope this interview on the Green Party's policies and political vision 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.