That we may all be one

In the midst of an election campaign we are encouraged to vote for a person or a party which best reflects our vision of life. Yet we realise that even in the best democracy there can be a plethora of opinions and policies. This can often present any campaign as a competition rather than a sounding board for what people consider important.

Regardless of the way we vote we are called to consider what we hold in common. Thus elections unite us in a desire for a life which can sustain every person not just a chosen few. Thus as we vote we consider how we come together as one.

In our own Christian view God makes an election for us. Not because of the views we hold but fundamentally because he loved us first.  This is especially important when we meet people who may have voted differently to ourselves. The emphasis should stress is what brings us together not what drives us apart. We seek the common good together.