As Morris Iemma and Peter Debnam go head-to-head at the state election on March 24, what role should our churches play in the way Sydney Anglicans cast their votes?

What should we be thinking when we put our ballot sheets in the box?

Politicians in the pews?

In the lead-up to the election, Liberal, Labor, Green and Christian Democratic Party candidates have made their way to Jamberoo Anglican Church to speak about their policies.

Curate-in-Charge Glenn Farrell has organised the weekly briefings to keep his parishioners informed about their local members' positions on particular issues, and encourage them to think seriously about their vote.

"I want to get Christians at our church and any other churches not just to vote on the party line but to choose the party they vote for in a way that's consistent with their Christian beliefs," he says.

Glenn prepared questions on issues he feels are most relevant to Christians, namely proselytising and religious vilification laws, and the inclusion of SRE in the Education Act.

Is there a danger here of exerting undue political influence?

Glenn says he has deliberately given all candidates the same platform and questions, so that attendees can make up their own minds.

"We aim to be "apolitical' and give each candidate a fair say, while informing local Christians on the issues that will affect their vote."

Glenn has been posting candidates' answers on a "make your vote count' page on the church website.

Glenn says the benefits of the meetings go beyond informing the congregation.

"It creates a relationship with the members, so whoever's elected knows there's a group of people who will support them as Christians, but who will call them to account as well.

Christians or citizens?

Since the US Constitution's First Amendment, the separation of church and state has been a significant issue for church, state, and media.

While the bill was first issued for the protection of the church rather than the state, Glenn says there can be a "nervousness" among Christians about participating too much in political life. 

"People have bought the lie that Christians shouldn't have a voice."

Senior Minister, St Michael's Anglican Cathedral, Wollongong, Sandy Grant, says Christians inevitably bring their beliefs with them when they approach the polling booths.

"We act as citizens, but we are Christian citizens," he says. "It would be absurd to expect that we could somehow switch off our Christianity when we participate in the political process."

Voting Christianly means"

Assistant Minister, Annandale Community Church, Andrew Barry says thinking carefully about the effect of our vote is part of "loving our neighbour as ourselves'.

"It could be unloving to your neighbour to throw your vote away or to vote in a way that causes damage."

Is "voting Christianly' just voting for the Christian Democratic Party?

Sandy says the answer to this question is not necessarily "yes'.

"The CDP have many candidates of fine Christian character and convictions.

"However, I do not think the CDP's policies are always the "most Christian'.

“For example, in concern about radical Islam, some of their policies fail to defend religious liberties we should wish even for those with whom we disagree.”

Glenn says turning from complacency is a step in the right direction, especially considering the current religious vilification laws in Victoria.

"If Christians aren't there under the leadership of Jesus calling leaders to account, it's our complacency that will cost us our rights in the end."

But shouldn't Christians just submit to governments, instead of lobbying them?

Sandy says Christians can bring good to society by defending what God has given us for our good.

"God's way, for example, in honouring marriage, is not only good for believers, but for all who are married and their societies."

Christians can have a voice and be good citizens at the same time, says Glenn.

"Because we have the privilege of living in a democratic society, we have the privilege of voting and being able to choose our government peacefully.

"The sovereign God determines the outcomes, but He's given us a role to play."