A note from Keith
13 August 2010
2 Chronicles 7:14 
Dear Friends,
As we prepare for the parliamentary election that lies before us, exercising our core democratic right and responsibility to vote will become the focus. How does a Christian approach an election?
Do we vote in the way we always have? There are indications that large numbers of people do exactly this, which can mean we vote for a particular party regardless of their current policies. Do we vote on the basis of a single issue? Do we vote on what seems most promising in relation to our own financial circumstances? Do we vote because the local candidate is best able to represent local issues at a national level?
Some of these questions are in our minds when we come to that one day in every three years when at least, for a few minutes, we recognise the responsibility we have when we cast our vote. Next Saturday, I hope we will all stop for a moment and thank God that we live in a democracy which enables us to partake in a process of deciding who will govern our nation. Many countries in the world do not have this privilege and are certainly not governed in a way they would readily choose.
Soon the rhetoric will be over, the campaign trail will draw to an end and we shall have to make our choice. As Christians, we have a particular responsibility to think about our decision in relation to the call of God upon our lives to be good news in the world.
For an organisation and church like Wesley Mission, we do not campaign for one particular party and members of our congregations will have their own personal preferences regarding which party they support. What does matter is that we recognise that a Federal Election is an opportunity to make an impact; however, if that impact concludes once the election campaign is over, we have misunderstood the importance of engagement in the future of our country.
Jesus calls us to be faithful disciples and beacons of hope in our community. The need for people to know the love of God and to experience his compassionate care remains a priority for the Christian community in an increasingly secular Australia. Don't forget to vote if you are registered - and I encourage all of us to pray for our country at this significant time.
I conclude with a verse from the Old Testament that still remains true:
If my people, who are called by my name, will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, then I will
hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin
and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Warmly yours
As Superintendent and Friend,
Rev Keith V Garner
Superintendent
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