Chandlers Ford Methodist Church

Minister's Letter - May 2015
Rev Peter Cornick
For me, the ‘Hustings’ in April demonstrated how politicians could work together for the common good. There was much more talk of co-operation and insights into cross party working in the Commons. With much less knock about than on TV, the ‘Hustings’ demonstrated more political respect. More please – whoever wins! 2020 Vision is a view of a ‘Good Society’; one which the church believes the next government could enact – whatever its complexion! Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (ctbielections.org.uk/about) have identified five key areas on which we could all quiz our prospective MPs. - Access to enough income for all to live with dignity, whether by work or welfare. - Reasonably priced homes where people can flourish with a reliable safety net for homeless people. - The need for children and young people to live fulfilling and flourishing lives. - An economy serving everyone irrespective of wealth. - Reducing UK greenhouse gas emissions. Amongst many issues, perhaps these five make for a ‘Good Society’; one in which we value the potential worth of each individual and respect the environment. A ‘Good Society’ reminds us that, although Jesus never voted, his message was of good news for the poor (Luke 4: 18), health for the sick (John 5: 8) and the transformation of everyone where the last shall be first (Matthew 19: 30). Jesus challenged self interest and corruption (Luke 19: 46) and when offered the trappings of power said ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him’ (Matthew 4: 10). As the election approaches, ‘Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national, and international affairs’ (Quaker Advices and Queries 34). One such Christian responsibility is to vote so that the ‘Good Society’ Jesus proclaimed may come into being; a 2020 Vision.

Minister's Letter - May 2015

Rev Peter Cornick

For me, the ‘Hustings’ in April demonstrated how politicians could work together for the common good. There was much more talk of co-operation and insights into cross party working in the Commons. With much less knock about than on TV, the ‘Hustings’ demonstrated more political respect. More please – whoever wins!

2020 Vision is a view of a ‘Good Society’; one which the church believes the next government could enact – whatever its complexion! Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (ctbielections.org.uk/about) have identified five key areas on which we could all quiz our prospective MPs.

- Access to enough income for all to live with dignity, whether by work or welfare.

- Reasonably priced homes where people can flourish with a reliable safety net for homeless people.

- The need for children and young people to live fulfilling and flourishing lives.

- An economy serving everyone irrespective of wealth.

- Reducing UK greenhouse gas emissions.

Amongst many issues, perhaps these five make for a ‘Good Society’; one in which we value the potential worth of each individual and respect the environment. A ‘Good Society’ reminds us that, although Jesus never voted, his message was of good news for the poor (Luke 4: 18), health for the sick (John 5: 8) and the transformation of everyone where the last shall be first (Matthew 19: 30). Jesus challenged self interest and corruption (Luke 19: 46) and when offered the trappings of power said ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him’ (Matthew 4: 10).

As the election approaches, ‘Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national, and international affairs’ (Quaker Advices and Queries 34). One such Christian responsibility is to vote so that the ‘Good Society’ Jesus proclaimed may come into being; a 2020 Vision.