No Images? Click here Voting for justice and peace September 2019 Issue No. 83Quotation of the month
Voting for justice and peace is a privilege and responsibilityThe writ has dropped, officially launching the Canadian federal election, which is set for October 21. An election is an opportunity for us to shape the future of Canada. As citizens, we have the chance to call on those who run for public office to clearly articulate their convictions on significant issues. An election is also an occasion for Christians to consider the political implications of our faith—a time to discern with humility how Jesus’ call to love our neighbours may be reflected in the public good. MCC Canada believes that governments should maintain a just and peaceful social order, and that Christians individually, and churches collectively, have a responsibility to help governments be faithful to this calling. With this in mind, we encourage you to raise important issues with candidates in your electoral riding. We have prepared an election primer including key issues and corresponding questions to ask candidates running for election. Browse the resource online (English/French download the full primer, and/or check out the church bulletin insert. We also invite you to use these resources to guide Sunday school class or small group discussions, and to share it with family members, friends, and colleagues. Additionally, we invite you to pray for wisdom—for candidates as they campaign, for yourself as you prepare to vote, and for those who will be chosen to provide leadership for our country. Addressing divisive issues through healthy dialogueA group of MCC partners gather in Colombia to discuss education.(MCC Photo/Anna Vogt) An election offers an occasion to consider the political implications of our values – an opportunity for our faith convictions and hopes for the world to be reflected in the public good. But if we consider that EVERY action can be seen as a vote for the kind of society we want to live in, this can offer us a renewed perspective on how we engage with the world around us everyday – especially when it comes to divisive topics around elections. When we care about an issue it is easy to ignore contradictory sides of the story. However, having meaningful conversations about divisive issues is a necessary characteristic of committed relationships, resilient communities, healthy churches, and strong democracies. In the Sermon on the Mount, and in many of his parables, Jesus publicly engaged with tough and divisive subjects that made those around him uncomfortable. Conflict isn’t necessarily good or bad, it’s what we do with it that matters. Do we respond in violence or seek to use the space created by disagreement to fuel growth and deepen understanding? Healthy dialogue is also a path to promote nonviolence. Although it can be challenging to try to understand those we disagree with, it is both possible and worth our time. When we commit to listening to others, we allow the teachings of Jesus to transform our opinions while accepting his invitation to love and reconcile across difference and disagreements (Ephesians 2:14). With that in mind, we have created a guide for better conversations on divisive issues, both during the election and all year round. You can access the full guide here and a pocket version here.
At the office(Photo courtesy of Zion Mennonite Church) As fall is slowly arriving, the MCC Ottawa Office is preparing for various meetings and initiatives. We always appreciate visitors and were glad to host members of Zion Mennonite Church, in Elmira Ontario, during a service trip in Ottawa in late August. Together, we talked about the work of the office and the role of advocacy and justice in MCC’s work. Interested in visiting our office? Contact us if you are visiting Ottawa. |