Christians and Green politics

The Green Party slogan is ‘for the common good’. The Common Good is an idea with longstanding roots in Catholic Social Teaching and, over the last century, in Christian socialism. There is no formal Christian movement within the Green party, but a growing number of Christians have joined, seeing their faith expressed through Green politics. 

The Green Party’s 10 core values:

1 The Green Party is a party of social and environmental justice, which supports a radical transformation of society for the benefit of all, and for the planet as a whole. We understand that the threats to economic, social and environmental wellbeing are part of the same problem, and recognise that solving one of these crises cannot be achieved without solving the others.

2 Humankind depends on the diversity of the natural world for its existence. We do not believe that other species are expendable.

3 The Earth's physical resources are finite. We threaten our future if we try to live beyond those means, so we must build a sustainable society that guarantees our long-term future.

4 Every person, in this and future generations, should be entitled to basic material security as of right.

5 Our actions should take account of the well-being of other nations, other species, and future generations. We should not pursue our well-being to the detriment of theirs.

6 A healthy society is based on voluntary co-operation between empowered individuals in a democratic society, free from discrimination whether based on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social origin or any other prejudice.

7 We emphasise democratic participation and accountability by ensuring that decisions are taken at the closest practical level to those affected by them.

8 We look for non-violent solutions to conflict situations, which take into account the interests of minorities and future generations in order to achieve lasting settlements.

9 The success of a society cannot be measured by narrow economic indicators, but should take account of factors affecting the quality of life for all people: personal freedom, social equity, health, happiness and human fulfilment.

10 Electoral politics is not the only way to achieve change in society, and we will use a variety of methods, including lifestyle changes, to help effect progress, providing those methods do not conflict with our other core principles.

Theologically these values resonate with:

- The kingdom of God as radical, systemic change;

- Jesus’ example of radical social inclusion for the vulnerable and most marginalised

- Creation as a gift to humanity and the responsibility to steward it well

- The mission of God in the world as ‘re-creation’, newness from within the old

- Individual change and commitment - repentance as lifestyle change - matters

- The image of God is in the ‘other’, so peacemaking with enemies is a priority

Visit the Green Party website: www.greenparty.org.uk