Engagement with politics on a local level is a vital part of seeking the wellbeing of our communities. In Manchester, building relationships with Members of Parliament in the constituency based bi-annual breakfast has developed since 1997. The regular meeting gives both parties the opportunity to be informed and have become relevant times in bringing about change in the city. The church needs to make use of the windows of opportunity given by the Government for action. Also, the meetings give the church the opportunity to inform the MP on Christian projects and concerns. Bridging the information gap is an essential first step.
- Write to your MP to propose a breakfast meeting with Church leaders and leaders of Christian organisations, twice a year.
- Propose a theme for each breakfast which helps focusing the first part of the meeting: E.g. Asylum, Overseas students, Fair trade. An outline of the breakfast:
· Christian leader gives a 5 minute outline of the Christian involvement. The MP responds on the topic and also brings up current issues on his/her agenda.
· The second part is a Q + A on a variety of topics.
· Thirdly, finish the meeting in prayer
- The intention of dialogue, prayer and sharing of information sets the scene well and guides the discussions in an atmosphere of respect.
- We have a two-fold responsibility towards our MPs: to pray for and challenge them. Before we challenge anyone, have we asked ourselves whether we have answered the biblical call to pray for those in authority? Our faith demands that we are persistent in prayer and envision our church community to pray regularly for the MP.
For more information, see http://www.eauk.org/forumforchange/politics.cfm
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