Let's vote, folks!

Voter turnout for the European Parliament elections will be low again this week. So, what a great opportunity! If Christians across the EU were mobilised to vote, we could have a disproportional impact on the European Parliament for the next five years! 

Wishful thinking on my part, of course. But think about it. We have the numbers. We just lack willpower.

Here's a bunch of typical excuses we come up with to keep us from voting:

1. I don't like the EU, so why vote? Have you really thought that through, or are you just parroting Rupert Murdoch? If you don't like the way things are, don't moan. Vote.
2. Politics is a worldly, dirty business! Isn't that a reason why we need to elect politicians with character and principles? So who are they? Find out and vote for them! Paul called the rulers of his day 'God's servants' (or deacons), and none of them were believers then! [Romans 13:4]
3. The European Parliament is a toothless tiger, and too far away to affect my daily life. If we believe that, we don't realise what's going on in our world, and how we are being affected at the local level by European decisions. The EP has been given increasing powers in recent treaties. MEP's are our popularly elected representatives to balance the (non-elected) Council of Ministers and the Commission. We need them!
4. I don't like any of the candidates. Fine, then vote for the candidate closest to your liking, to deny candidates with least biblical positions the advantage of your non-vote.
5. My vote is insignificant. Actually, under Proportionate Representation, each vote is much more significant, and enables minority parties to have an increased voice.

So much for excuses. Here are some reasons why you and I as Christians should vote this week:

1. The institute of government, believe it or not, is God's idea. The rule of law and democracy as we know it have been shaped by the Bible, and John Calvin's Geneva in particular. Our vote is a necessary way to hold governments accountable, because, as everyone knows, rulers are not always right and just. Strong democracy requires strong participation by the people.
2. We are called to be salt and light. When we don't vote, we hold our light under a bushel, something Jesus told us not to do. Salt and light are minority elements with widespread impact. 
3. Those who are championing biblical norms and values need our support. Persuasion and presence are two main ways Christians can bring transformation in society. By definition, a parliament is a place of talking. The word comes from Old French parlement 'speaking', from the verb parler. Of course there's a lot of hot air being released in Brussels and Strasbourg. Better that than physical violence. We've had enough of that in Europe. Those who speak up for biblical values need our votes.

So what are these issues?

Well, here are a few:

1. Today's financial crisis, caused by greed and unbiblical economics. Even secular voices are calling for codes of ethics. One secular journalist discovered we already had a code: the Ten Commandments! Biblical economics can provide an alternative to capitalism, as Michael Schluter has been saying for years.
2. Human trafficking. Widespread indifference and corruption needs to be tackled to break this gross injustice of modern-day slavery and abuse of basic human rights here in Europe!
3. Bioethics. Over the next five years, MEP's will wrestle with the future of the human race concerning legislation on stem-cell research and other areas where what is technically possible, not what is ethical, drives the agenda. 
4. Family policy, same sex marriage, equality laws. Historically unprecendented legislation is being demanded by those rejecting Biblical norms as outdated. But where will that lead to?
5. Immigration and demographics. Fundamentalists on the one hand and populists on the other are polarising a debate requiring grace, hospitality, wisdom and engagement. 

We've hardly scratched the surface. We haven't mentioned the Middle East and Israel, global warming, terrorism and other peace and development issues.

So how do we get informed? 

Start by discussing this ww with some friends. Ask who they're going to vote for and why. 

Find out what your own ideas are, and which parties they are closest to, via www.euprofiler.eu. 

For Christian perspectives from several countries and languages, visit www.ecumenicalvoices2009.eu; or Care's excellent site, www.vote2009.eu; or www.prayandvote2009.eu.

Whatever you do, vote! 

Till next week,