A Draft Policy for churches preparing for the next Federal or State Election
Peter Adam
April 2025
[I prepared this Draft Policy in response to a request from a minister. Anyone is welcome to us it, or to adapt it and use it. There is no need to attribute it to me!]
‘Introduction
Paul wrote:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people [1 Timothy 2:1-6].
God is concerned for the welfare of all people, including nations. God is opposed to corruption, crime, injustice, and inequality, and in favour of justice, honesty, fairness, equality, and the welfare of vulnerable people. He also wants nations to cooperate with each other for the common good, and not oppress, invade, take advantage of, or terrorise other nations.
In democracies, we have the immense privilege of electing our politicians. We should do our best to elect and promote the election of those who will do their best to serve God’s good will in the government in which they serve.
Local churches should help their members do their best as good citizens, including making wise and informed decisions about who to vote for. Local churches could also consider if there are members of the church who could be good candidates for election.
Our church will not put pressure on people to vote for particular candidates or parties. We welcome people of every political viewpoint, for our unity is in Christ, not in political solidarity. No one should feel excluded because of their political allegiances.
We encourage people to have Biblical priorities, such as justice, equality, care for the vulnerable, care for the environment, and international aid, but without linking these priorities with particular political parties.
On political opinions, as on many issues, we strive to be a community in which all feel at home, where no one feels pressured to support a particular political party or viewpoint, and where people welcome each other, as Christ has welcomed us.
Practical implementation.
- This church encourages all to pay attention to the upcoming Election, to pray that God will provide good government, to vote, and to participate in the Election process as each person is able to do so.
- This church will not declare an official position on which Party or Candidate it supports, and no official or member of the church is authorised to speak or write as if the church has an official position on these matters.
- No may anyone speak or write publicly as if supporting a particular Party or Candidate is the only possible Christian action.
- This church will not allow anyone to speak publicly, or pray publicly, in favour of a Party or a Candidate.
- There is a Notice-board in the foyer, headed ‘Political Opinions’, which will be available from now until the election. Individual church members may provide political advertisements to the office secretary, to be placed on that Notice-board, and leaflets to the be placed on the table under the Notice-board. No one may put material on that Notice-board or table, or remove material from that Notice-board or table [unless they are taking a leaflet for positive reasons!].
- A copy of the Church Policy will also be on that Notice-board.
- We encourage everyone to pray fervently for God’s blessing on our nation, that we would be wisely governed, that injustice and inequality would be reduced, and that our governments would care for and protect the welfare of all.’