The Jubilee Centre’s Votewise Legacy for the UK General Election in 2024

By Dr. Paul Mills

“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.” 1 Timothy 2:1,2 

In a record year for elections around the world, the UK (and now France) are both ‘enjoying’ parliamentary election campaigns somewhat earlier than most had envisaged. Motivated by the conviction that all areas of life come under the sovereignty of Christ, Christians are currently engaged in the campaign as candidates seeking election or electors raising issues of concern from a Christian perspective. We all need to consider carefully how to exercise the votes we have been granted.  

To help with this process in past elections and referenda, the Jubilee Centre under the Votewise banner, organised hustings and meetings in numerous constituencies and published books and Bible studies to help Christians think through how to engage with the political process and analyse some of the contentious policy issues of the day. While we are not able to emulate the efforts of past campaigns in terms of arranging hustings, we can highlight the still-relevant Jubilee Centre resources. 

The Votewise initiative was established in 2004 following the publication of the book of that title by Nick Spencer[1]. This addressed the topics of political engagement, asylum, race and nationhood, international order, education, transport, health, criminal justice and the economy through the lens of applying the biblical text to these contemporary questions. A second edition (Votewise Now!) was published in 2009[2] to update the discussion of these topics (as well as housing and employment) and the accompanying Bible study resource (The Big Issues) is available here [3] on the Jubilee Centre website. 

Then, ahead of the 2015 general election, Guy Brandon wrote Votewise 2015[4] that encouraged Christians to engage in the political process. Chapters covered engaging with the political process, the economy and welfare, migration and Europe, public services and relational ideas for reform. The book concludes with short essays from five Christians active in politics as to why their faith points them respectively to support the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green Parties and UKIP. The discussion guide to Votewise 2015 can be found on the Jubilee Centre website here [5]. 

That last section of Votewise 2015 is a lasting, valuable reminder of important truths that Christians need to remember as they engage in the political process. First, that faithful Christians can legitimately disagree over how their faith is to be applied to public policy, and which of the political parties most closely align with that application.[6] The Bible does not provide a blueprint for public policy in a fallen world in every particular context, and so Christians can differ over its application at any one time and place, while remaining united in Christ.  

Second, the spread of the gospel is of far more value in eternity than the triumph of any one earthly political party or vision. Hence, Christians in politics can always unite around the concerns of the Kingdom of God, while disagreeing over the details of how any one earthly kingdom is governed. 

Third, Christians are enjoined to pray “for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2). This is the political responsibility every Christian has, whether they participate directly in politics or not. Exercise of authority for good is a God-ordained calling (Romans 13:4; 1 Peter 2:14) and we should pray that rulers diligently fulfil their responsibility to punish wrong-doing and reward the good. We can also pray that those exercising political power be given wisdom, and are truthful, honest, humble, faithful and courageous. 

Fourth, why prayer is so vital for those in authority is that the sphere of government is one where the spiritual powers of darkness hold sway (Psalm 2:2; Luke 4:5,6; Ephesians 6:12). As we so often see from examples of corruption, dishonesty and abuse of power, temptations when seeking or exercising political office are amplified beyond those of ordinary life. We should raise up in prayer those seeking, or in, power to be protected from the malign pressures they face. 

It is tempting to be perplexed by how to cast one’s vote in 2024, given the options available. Hopefully the resources highlighted here can provide Christians in the UK with guidance as to how to steward their votes.  

June 2024 

The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Jubilee Centre or its trustees.

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[1] Spencer, N., 2004, Votewise, SPCK, London. Second-hand copies can be found here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2332490.m570.l1313&_nkw=votewise+spencer&_sacat=0; and https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?ds=20&kn=votewise%20spencer&sts=t 

[2] Lynas R., 2009, Votewise Now!, SPCK, London. Second-hand copies can be found here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2332490.m570.l1313&_nkw=votewise+now&_sacat=0; https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?cm_sp=SearchF-_-topnav-_-Results&kn=votewise%20now&sts=t

[3] https://www.jubilee-centre.org/s/Votewise-Now-Bible-Studies-2009.pdf 

[4] Brandon, G., 2014, Votewise 2015, SPCK, London. Copies are still available from SPCK: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/votewise-2015 

[5] https://www.jubilee-centre.org/s/Votewise-discussion-guide-2015.pdf 

[6] See the Christians in Politics website (https://www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk) for more resources.