MP urges Christians to pray for politicians

Following last week’s elections, Tim Farron MP has called on Christians to pray for their elected representatives.

Highlighting the challenges and rewards of public service, Farron urged churches to engage with and support local councillors and parliamentarians.

The former Liberal Democrat leader, who has been an MP since 2005, also encouraged Christians to consider standing for election themselves.

‘Enormous blessing’

He said: “As Christians who believe that God ordains authority and good government as part of his purposes, we urgently need to pray for serious, servant-hearted and competent people to be willing to step up.

“Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives – whatever colour rosette they wear – for protection, wisdom and strength. Please reach out to them.

“They may not receive a lot of encouragement, and you can be an incredible witness in the way that you engage.”

He added: “To serve in elected office is an enormous blessing, it’s a privilege to have a role that brings you alongside others, to seek to meet their needs and to be a voice for the voiceless.”

Transformation

In her book How Christianity Transformed the World, The Christian Institute’s Dr Sharon James demonstrated how religious liberty, justice, healthcare, education, the sanctity of life, women’s rights, the emancipation of slaves, the environment, and even animal welfare have all been transformed for the better by Christianity.

She noted how men and women such as William Wilberforce, Lord Shaftesbury and Josephine Butler – to name but a few – were driven by their deep Christian faith to change the world around them for the good of others.

Dr James observed: “Without the impact of Christians following the teachings of Christ in the public square, the world would be less just, less free, less educated, more cruel, and more poor. Above all, it would be without hope – the ultimate hope of life in Christ.”