Christians and Politics: Should We Get Involved?

Every now and then, Christian leaders across the country have come out to speak either for or against national political issues. Almost invariably, government has responded to their comments with the classic assertion that religious leaders must avoid engaging in politics and should only stick to issues directly related to faith. While some argue that religious leaders have the moral and spiritual obligation to speak out against political evils and in support of sound political issues, others maintain that the doctrine of separation of powers implies by extension, that Church leaders refrain from mixing up religion with politics.

The proponents of religion not mixing with politics have some valid arguments. Right from the days of the Roman Empire, when emperors used Christianity as an excuse to pursue their political agenda, the mixing of politics and religion has been a hot issue. One of the risks faced when the two are combined, is that faith, which is a highly personal and internal decision, is then measured by external factors. So for instance, to be regarded a Christian, one would be required to support the Anti-homosexuality bill or support the president in lifting term limits (because the President would be the spiritual head of the nation). This of course would water down the Christian faith to be nothing more than a political party.

The second danger of mixing politics with faith is that one runs the risk of branding believers the good people and the non-believers the evil people. It is such situations that led to the Christian crusades in the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th centuries. On July 11^th last year, we all felt the ultimate price innocent ‘kafirs’ paid in the name of the Al Shabab jihadists. It is therefore plausible for one to advocate for a clear distinction between the state and the Church.

Yet this distinction never be interpreted to mean that the two are unrelated. Christianity, as many other faiths has a direct implication to one’s social, physical and political view of life. For instance, when Christians are asked if women should be paid as much as men at the workplace, they are bound to ask themselves, “What does the bible say about this?” Of course the bible clearly states that men and women are equal in the eyes of God. Now if it so happens that government policies favor men over women, the Christian finds himself in a position where he must speak out against this policy because it is in direct violation of what he knows to be true.

The obligation to speak out against such injustices is even greater for Church leaders. While their followers can live out their faith at work and home, these leaders are expressly commanded by the bible to do the same in the pulpit. Hear what God commands them in Proverbs 31:8-9

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Failure to do so in fear of political retribution would amount to failure to be the pastor, bishop or Archbishop they are meant to be. For us Christians, the world is our practicing ground. Our faith is not to be hidden and acted out in the privacy of our homes alone but also in the full view of all that we come across.

Yet even as I write this, I am not unaware of those amongst the Christians who would use the pulpit for political interests. I have interacted with Christian leaders whose real heart is after political leadership and so, whose actions in Church will only be targeting to boost their chances at the polls. These are neither the people I seek to address nor the ones that really matter to the Church. Rather, I am talking about the Christian out there, who in one way or another has their sphere of leadership and is earnestly wondering whether he or she should speak out about a political injustice in their workplace, community or home.

As Christians, we are stripped of all our moral authority the moment we begin preaching against an injustice and then keep silent after receiving the benediction. Am I saying, for instance, that we should all oppose government over its arrest of Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Nobert Mao? Well, if we are all convinced that this was an act that deprived the two of their God-given and constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech and expression so be it. If anyone amongst the brethren feels otherwise, then again, it is incumbent upon him or her to express their views on the matter. In other words, regardless of your political inclinations and biases, speak out clearly in defense of those things that God has said in His word.

We cannot continue to claim we are a Christian nation and yet we top the world rankings in alcohol consumption, are perpetually among the top ten most corrupt countries and slay our children in the name of sacrifices for riches. If 86% of Ugandans are Christians, why are over 53% of our children facing domestic violence? Why do our parliamentarians receive 20m bribes? More importantly, why do we vote them back into parliament? Why, despite having attained recognition as a republic over four decades ago, do we have Christians from certain ethnic groups still call brethren from other ethnic groups derogatory names? If our words do not ring true-at least in part- in your life, we would do well reciting a disclaimer before preaching the gospel! But until such a time, let every Christian in Uganda call their leaders to accountability. Let us demand that the roads to our churches and workplace be as beautifully done as those that lead to our leaders’ mansions. And as we make these demands, let us be sure to have our driving permits and refuse to bribe our brethren in the police!