Do Christians have to vote?

Why? YES? NO?

Debate: This house believes that Christians should always vote. What might each of these public figures have to say about voting in the 2015 General Election?

Russell Brand … “I have never voted.” BBC Newsnight (2013) Russell Brand: "It is not that I am not voting out of apathy. I am not voting out of absolute indifference and weariness and exhaustion from the lies, treachery and deceit of the political class that has been going on for generations." Russell Brand on revolution: “We no longer have the luxury of tradition” (2013 New Statesman) Russell Brand: “I have never voted. Like most people I am utterly disenchanted by politics. Like most people I regard politicians as frauds and liars and the current political system as nothing more than a bureaucratic means for furthering the augmentation and advantages of economic elites. As far as I’m concerned there is nothing to vote for. I feel it is a far more potent political act to completely renounce the current paradigm than to participate in even the most trivial and tokenistic manner, by obediently X-ing a little box.” Discuss in pairs Do you agree with the arguments being made by Russell Brand?

George Arnett: “Is Russell Brand right? Are we disenchanted by politics?George Arnett: “Is Russell Brand right? Are we disenchanted by politics?” “The majority of people that could vote at the last election did and voting is still seen as the most effective way to make political change so on both those counts Brand is not with the majority of people. However, it is clear that there is a sense of dissatisfaction with politics, government and politicians generally that comes out in these figures. The UK coming up as worse in the EU for youth voting and the low proportion of young people who view voting as a civic duty show that there is at least a lack of interest in the political system among the young.” In the 2010 general election…  65% of registered voters cast their vote  The turnout among those aged 18 to 24 was 52%. Among those over-65, it was 75%. Facts, figures and other voices… Toni Pearce (journalist at The New Statesman) “Russell Brand is wrong – if you don’t vote, you just won’t matterToni Pearce (journalist at The New Statesman) “Russell Brand is wrong – if you don’t vote, you just won’t matter” “If you don’t vote, you won’t have your voice heard. The simple fact is the electoral roll underpins our democracy and our lives. There’s no question that we can find fault with all of the political parties, but we are the ones who are ultimately responsible. If you want to see yourself reflected in parliament elect people who can achieve this. Seriously look at the candidates in your constituency and work out who is most closely affiliated to your values. Don’t expect that every policy put forward will be palatable. You don’t enjoy every single aspect of your work or studies, but you persevere because overall it’s aligned with who you are, or what you intend to do. If it’s not, you change it.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church Official Church teaching Official Church teaching states: “It is the duty of citizens to work with civil authority for building up society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom.” “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country” “Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfil their roles in the life of the political community.” Discuss in pairs Do you agree that it is “morally obligatory” to vote? Do you have any other thoughts on these teachings?

1.Each group needs to prepare a short speech (2 minutes) either for or against this statement. 2.Once all the groups have delivered their speeches we will have a whole class debate. Listen carefully to the points others are making and respond to them. 3.At the end of the debate one person will summarise the main arguments in favour of the statement and another person will summarise the main arguments against the statement. 4.We will then have a class vote. You are free to vote either way! Debate: This house believes that Christians should always vote.