Christians have a role in politics
Many Christians will not participate in politics, claiming that “drinking and driving do not mix, and neither do politics and religion”.
They regard politics as a dirty game that Christians should avoid.
This attitude is rooted in our colonial history and in our failure to distinguish between party politics and political participation.
Political participation includes exercising one's right to vote and to be voted for, speaking out against any wrongdoing by those in power and holding leaders accountable for their actions.
Such behaviour has deep roots in the communal orientation of traditional African society, where decision-making was based on democratic principles that formed the basis for community relations.
That traditional fits well with current Western democratic values.
While Christians tend to avoid political participation, Muslims understand its importance.
Consequently they control power in many African countries, even those where they are a minority.
Unlike Christians, they do not believe in the separation of church and state because it encourages secularism.
Throughout history, the common people have turned to the church in times of need.
They have followed Christ in recognising their suffering, and giving them the voice to speak out against injustice and oppression.
Moral bankruptcy, corruption, poverty and ignorance all clearly call for Christians participation in politics.
SA Christian leaders have responded to the call.
Sir Francis Akamu Ibaim, of Nigeria, led protests to Queen Elizabeth II, of Great Britain, during the Nigerian Civil War. Benin president Mattew Kereke convened a conference to apologise for African leaders’ role in slavery.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Reverend Frank Chikane played a strong role in liberating SA from the apartheid regime and continue to work for reconciliation.
Other Christian leaders such as former president Frederick Chiluba, of Zambia, and Olusegun Obasanjo, of Nigeria, have, however, disappointed their fellow Christians by their actions or lack of action regarding corruption in high places. One reason for their failure may be that they lacked support from their fellow Christians and were thus exposed to the corrupting influence of non-Christians.
African Christians need to understand that the destinies of their nations rest on their political participation. Good people can enjoy life when the righteous are in authority.
Sitembiso Dlukulu Motherwell, Port Elizabeth