Although they were often portrayed as heretics and rebels during the early years of Christianity, the followers of Jesus have always thought it important to be good citizens. This means participating in the life of the wider community, having a social concern, paying taxes in return for services and security, and supporting good governance. For many years people in Britain have been fortunate to live in a free democratic society. We can criticise the powers that be without fear. We can hold our own opinions. We can worship freely, whatever faith we are. And we can vote.

The opportunity to vote for the government comes round only infrequently. It is a right and a freedom that has been hard won and is by no means universal. Europe and Oceania are the most democratic regions in the world, and the rest have far fewer freedoms. In the UK, we have become more cynical about politicians and their promises. To be honest, that is not surprising, looking at their records. A case can be made that our two-party system and our voting system need reform, lacking in subtlety and sometimes giving power to a party without a majority of votes.

However, none of that is an excuse not to vote. There may be no party that reflects exactly what we want, so we just have to go for the closest match. If you can’t bring yourself to vote for any of them, at least go to the polling station and put something on the ballot paper!

The Church of England is encouraging its members to support the democratic process. Pray Your Part is an invitation from the bishops of the Church of England to encourage prayer and participation in the life of our nation and communities, both as voters and as citizens. Based around a 21-day journey of prayer, it can be found at cofe.io/PrayYourPart.

Michael Kingston