Letter: Christians bring honesty to Westminster

Tim Montgomerie
Tuesday 09 April 1996 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Your suggestion that a true Christian could not play a full part in politics ("Anyone can play Bible games", 8 April) denies the reality of any Christian's daily life. Political service does of course demand compromise but what family or business career does not also require regular surrendering of will to others' preferences?

A Christian politician should not compromise essential principles but must always be ready to be flexible over tactics. For example, a Christian may want to limit access to abortion but realising that the current parliament is not ready for such legislation may prefer to press for an extension of adoption rights to ensure full care for babies carried to full-term.

Today's political landscape requires more Christian involvement and I hope that believers would bring a sense of honesty and probity that Westminster is accused of lacking. Parliament as a whole would benefit if Members attacked each other less and focused on policy. All evidence suggests the public would appreciate this as well. Tony Blair could make a start by being a little bit more generous to other Christians who have been led by the Holy Spirit into other parties.

Tim Montgomerie

Director of Fellowship

Conservative Christian

Fellowship

London, N2

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in