AOTS (As One That Serves) Christian Men's Club: Note From Rev Kristy About Electing a Government You Believe In

Rev. Kirsty Hunter is the minister in Minesing Pastoral Charge in Minesing, Ontario. She is currently the co-chair of the Community Connections & Right Relations Commission in Living Waters Presbytery in Toronto Conference.

Poverty is a problem throughout the world, even in Canada. It is important that we do what we can to overcome the unbalance in the availability of the necessities of life. Kirsty emphasizes the need and some of the ways to get our politicians more involved.

Whether or not we agree with Rev. Hunter, we should ensure we take advantage of our opportunity to elect the members of our parliament.

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Hello Everyone,

As we get closer to the federal and provincial elections I promise to be a broken record reminding you to vote.

We are watching people all over the world lose their lives as they fight for this right and privilege and responsibility that we take so lightly. So plan to vote, and plan to bring someone you care about, and bring someone who has not voted before or who has not voted in a while, and bring someone too young to vote so they can see you model being a part of our democracy, and most important of all think and talk about who and what you are voting for ahead of time.

Below this email and links is a message from an organisation called Make Poverty History. They believe in holding politicians accountable to the promises they have made about world poverty and poverty in Canada. They are not affiliated with any party but they do have a set of core beliefs. I encourage you to read through the material to see their approach. You may or may not agree with them but please notice these important things about what they suggest. First pick three or four things that are important to you. Some of them may be big picture, some may be practical steps you want to see governments take. Second, get involved by asking questions. Third, tell the candidates that you will vote based on your issues. Fourth, talk to other people. Fifth, and most important, vote.

Think about these questions. What is most important to you (education, health care, poverty, security etc.) What are your core beliefs about those issues? What does your faith and the teachings of Jesus mean to you in the voting booth? What questions should you be asking candidates to find out if they share your core values? What answers are you looking for?

I do not endorse any candidate or party. However, as a person of faith I will be looking critically at all candidates and parties to find the one that is a best fit for when I go in and vote. Freedom of religion means the government can't tell me how to worship or what to believe. It does not mean I won't vote based on my beliefs and values. I will make my own decisions and vote just as I hope all of you will.

Below are some links to resources that may be helpful to you or at least stimulate discussion.

Peace and Blessings to you all.

Rev. Kirsty

Elections Canada Info