Dear All,
The election is upon us. The country is going to the polls - and hopefully you will too. The election debates on the TV have transformed the campaigns of the parties jockeying for power and we are told that this election is too close to call.

I wonder who would get Jesus' vote - Mr Cameron, Mr Brown or Mr Clegg. Rest assured Jesus would use his vote. It's very hard to imagine him not using the privilege of casting his ballot. He was, after all, thoroughly engaged in the debates of his day. We remember Him as a teacher: he talked, he debated, he argued, he disagreed, he challenged those in power, railed against the abuse of power and suggested an alternative manifesto. Yes, he would have voted, but for whom?

We know His message was primarily to do with the arrival of 'the kingdom of God'. 'Repent' he said 'the Kingdom of God is coming. Get ready for its arrival. Become a part of it now by following me'. So what are the characteristics of this kingdom? If we knew, would we be better able to cast our votes?

Firstly: God's kingdom is open to all. This is an idea that was scandalous at the time but it needs restating: as our politicians tread gingerly around the debate concerning immigration, Christians need to be clear that we should have an especial care for the foreigner, the outsider, and the dispossessed -their voice needs to be heard. It is salutary to be reminded that many hospitals would be unable to function if all migrant workers (doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff) were removed from them.

Secondly: God's kingdom is about justice. Think of the Magnificat (God 'exalting the humble and meek' whilst 'putting down the mighty from their seats') or read Luke chapter 4, v. 18-19. We may well ask how we will benefit personally from the politicians' promises (tax cuts, efficiency savings and the like) but it is a proper Christian concern to ask whether any of the parties will address the huge disparities in opportunity and wealth between the richest and poorest in our country. The New Testament frequently calls us to look out for the interests of others before ourselves: my tax cut may well harm someone else.

It is not for me to tell you how to vote but you should do so and you should do so without leaving your faith at the door of the polling station.