The Church of the Holy Cross, Parish of Avening.

The Church of the Holy Cross, Avening, Gloucestershire

www.aveningchurch.info

Celia Carter’s Monthly Letter to the Parish: May 2010

It is often said that religion and politics should never mix and it is easy enough to see why. However ... good politics and religion share the same principle which is ... concern for the people. The Christian faith is a ‘community’ faith ... motivated by Christ’s teaching that everyone is of value and should have equal opportunities and access to care, education and employment. At the core of the faith is the belief in justice, freedom and peace.

Much of what our country is ... and why it is still the envy of many in the world .... is because it has been built on these principles. The right to vote was fought for over many generations with people even being arrested and imprisoned for their principles. It is only since 1928 that we have had universal franchise, and as a result we are privileged to live in a true democracy.
The Rev Celia Carter

The sad thing is that, now, many feel disenchanted by the thought of voting ... believing it will make little difference. We are disillusioned with our politicians and the way in which Parliament is run. However we may feel, it is our duty as citizens in this country to vote as we feel to be right. We CAN make a difference and it is vital that, at the end of the day, the government we install is truly representative of the people, and one in whom we have confidence to improve, not only the financial situation of the country, but also the care of our children, the sick and the elderly.

Our right to vote has been won for us by people of vision and courage. We owe it to them to go to the polls to vote on election day.

Rev Celia