Make the Cross Count

The Scottish office of CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) have produced an excellent set of pre-election resources as information for, and use by the Christian community in Scotland in the run-up to the May elections. Included in this material is the CARE manifesto for a wide-ranging social policy.

The "package" has been gathered and published on a dedicated website entitled "Make the Cross Count". The site carries a range of material including advice on holding hustings meetings, Bible study and prayer topics and an on-line video via YouTube.

The video, presented by Ann Allen a former convenor of the Church of Scotland's Board of Social Responsibility, is an excellent overview of how Christians can (and should) engage in the political process.

Featured are six Christian politicians who speak honestly about their desire to be true to their faith – Helena Brackenridge, Murdo Fraser, Karen Gillon, Gordon Macdonald, Michael McMahon and Andrew Welsh.
Speaking also are CARE Scotland's manager Bill Baird, and Dr. Alistair Noble who says, "for Christians, voting is not just an important duty; it has to be a sacred duty."

Sitting amidst all of this is CARE's manifesto covering areas of social concern such as marriage and the family, religious freedom, faith-based social action, health, justice, education, community development and sustainability.

CARE is inviting Scottish politicians and local authorities to sign up to a range of policies designed to strengthen the national, community and family life in our nation.

CARE’s chief executive, Nola Leach, said: "With this manifesto we are aiming to open up the debate on social policy in Scotland."

The challenge is to the Christian community and to those who are involved in governing Scotland.