WITH the latest political story regarding the selection of a candidate for Falkirk, and the ongoing crisis in Egypt, following its elections just over a year ago, perhaps now is a good time to think through our own political processes.

It seems to me there are some fundamental questions which relate to our own democratic processes, such as why elected MPs can ‘cross the floor’ without triggering a by election, but if they remain within in a party there is ‘the party line’, and if they go against it, then they are a rebel, rather than simply holding a different opinion.

How did we end up with a whip system? Is it really in the best interests of our freedom and democracy, and how come not every vote in Parliament isn’t a free vote? So many political questions!

I can point to some principles that should underpin political system.

Jesus did not come to start a political party, but to usher in the Kingdom of God, which has some aspects which are personal and some which are social, and relate to the way we should order ourselves as a society.

That every human being has dignity, and worth, not simply because of what they can do or give to others, yet if they can work they should, and be subject to the authorities and pay due tax is within the Biblical story, as is the call not just to use the world for our own gain, but to be responsible within the world, not just for ourselves, or just humanity, but all of creation.

These are difficult areas, but sometimes we must grapple with the big picture and the difficult issues, and pray for those who hold positions of authority.

REV CHRIS GOBLE St Mary’s, Ilmington