Among other things, I spent a whole lot of time helping to organize an all candidates meeting on behalf of the 21 Stouffville churches. Our aim for the All-Candidates Meeting was to provide an information forum to hear where candidates stand on issues of concern to the churches and the local community. This event was an opportunity for the churches and parishes of our community to positively engage the political process.
I would be curious to know what others think: As Christians, is it worthwhile to put a whole bunch of energy into politics? Or should we use our energy/gifts elsewhere?
I have come to believe that I should be aware and involved, but the question remains: In what ways should I engage the political process?
One way is via MCC, which has an office in Ottawa and views its role as:
a conduit of information and bridge for relationships between the federal government of Canada and MCC Canada’s diverse constituency. It witnesses to government on issues of peace, justice and human dignity that arise out of MCC ministry at home and around the world. The Ottawa Office works with a number of coalitions while trying to bring a unique, Anabaptist perspective to the work of political engagement.
To learn more about the Ottawa office and its great work ("motivated by the conviction that loving our neighbours compels us to witness to government"), visit http://ottawa.mcc.org/.
Loving our neighbour
Loving our neighbour may mean practicing simple acts of kindness. It may also mean helping to shed light on an unjust situation, or taking nonviolent steps to transform injustice to justice. Read more
Rooted in the Bible
The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of God’s vision for nations to beat their swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:2-4) and called for the people of faith to uphold righteousness and justice (Amos 5:21-24). Read more
Reflecting Anabaptist values
Anabaptist experience offers ideas for the best ways to practice advocacy. Read more
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