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All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. There are unparalleled opportunities in Britain's political parties for good people to stand up for social justice and personal responsibility. But too many Christians are complaining from the sidelines about the sorry state of politics. Are you a whinger or are you ready to play a part in being the solution?
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All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing
The philosopher Edmund Burke warned that evil triumphs when good people do nothing. One good Christian man, William Wilberforce, did do something when, two centuries ago, Britain was steeped in the murderous trade of human slaves. The initial odds against him were enormous and he suffered many defeats but he never tired of his calling. He dedicated forty six years to the abolition of this evil trade. Wilberforce personified six golden principles for the Christian politician: (1) 'get involved!' because change comes from within; (2) success depends upon shrewd tactics; (3) 'never give up'; (4) don't just 'talk the talk' but 'walk the walk'; (5) relationships must come before agendas; and (6) pray. See link below.
Today's politics is badly undermined by low levels of voter participation, unimaginative leadership and stale policy thinking.
Christians can sit and moan about this, and the inevitable consequences for our national life, or they can stand up and change things.
There are many good people in politics and the 'people like you' section on the mission page takes you directly to stories of 'people like you' who have joined the Conservative Party in order to make a difference to the lives of others. Will you follow their lead?
Real change comes from within
Real influence is found inside political parties rather than through single issue groups or by writing occasional letters. Those who have told you otherwise are wrong. Their tactics have a role but 'real change comes from within'; from players rather than spectators.
YOU are already compromised. The question is: 'are you doing anything about it?'
Some find the 'compromises' of party membership too much to stomach. But every citizen of this country is already 'compromised'. Anyone who pays VAT is funding abortion and weapons of mass destruction. Anyone who buys a newspaper is probably supporting a shop that also stocks pornography or promotes gambling. The price and seasonality of the food we eat affect farming families' incomes across the globe. People will have different views on how Christians should respond to these complicated issues but let's not pretend that we're not implicated in their funding or existence.
The individual's opportunities to influence Britain's mainstream political parties has never been greater
Britain's mainstream political parties are increasingly democratic. Party members influence policy development and select candidates and the party leader.
Before the last election people who are now Members of Parliament were chosen to stand for their party by gatherings of barely 100 local members. 100 people is a tiny fraction of the number of churchgoers in an average constituency. If more Christians joined the mainstream political party that they normally vote for: whether Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative or nationalist, they could more effectively ensure prospective candidates were committed to racial tolerance, family values, defence of freedom and other Christian worldview issues.
People of all faiths and none embody many of these virtues and more candidates of character and integrity will redeem British democracy.
Are you ready to play YOUR part?
If your answer is 'yes', the CCF looks forward to supporting you in every way we can.
Go back one page in your browser to access an account of our faith in Jesus Christ and for an overview of our other core political beliefs: (1) the need to fuse social justice and personal responsibility and (2) One Nation Conservatism.
Related links
The inspirational example of William Wilberforce
Golden rules for political involvement
People like you join CCF
The Christian Socialist Movement
The Liberal Democrat Christian Forum
Join CCF now!
Join the Conservative Party now!
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