Title: How Should Christians Think About Voting?
Discerning Faithfulness in the Public Square

As Christians, we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), and yet, we are also placed by God in earthly nations. We vote not as partisans of a political kingdom, or even primarily as citizens of Canada, but as ambassadors of Christ's eternal one, seeking the good of our neighbours and the honour of our King. In a culture increasingly shaped by secularism, voting becomes a way of loving our neighbour and exercising faithful presence.

As a minister and as a local church, our role is to proclaim Christ crucified, not campaign slogans. The church, as an institution does not endorse political parties or candidates. But it does speak clearly about righteousness and justice as defined by God's Word. While we won't always agree on every policy, Scripture gives us a framework to think wisely about issues like the value of life, the family, justice for the vulnerable, and religious freedom, and the good of the church.

Guiding Principles for Christians Who Vote

1. Vote as a Christian, not as a captive of any party.
   No party perfectly reflects the Kingdom of God. Christians are free to vote across party lines, guided by conscience and Scripture.

In today’s polarized media climate, it’s easy to associate Canadian political parties with foreign figures or movements. Some may be influenced to vote a certain way because they associate one of our parties with American-style populism, or even with personalities like Donald Trump, whose tone and policies (like trade tariffs) have troubled many Canadians.

But Canada is not the United States. Our political landscape, our institutions, and even our parties are different in tone, scope, and structure. It’s important to evaluate Canadian policies and candidates on their own terms, not through the lens of imported political narratives.

Let’s approach the ballot box not with fear or borrowed outrage, but with thoughtful, prayerful discernment.

2. Vote with your neighbour in mind.
   Christian voting is not just about personal benefit but the common good. We seek peace, justice, and order for all people. What that justice and peace look like should be informed by God’s Word and not be popular or secular sentiment.
3. Prioritize character and principle over charisma and pressure.
   We should not be swayed by media hype or public opinion, but by integrity and sound moral judgment.
4. Consider how laws shape culture over time.
   Legislation has a discipling effect on society. Even small legal changes can shape public morality and the next generation's worldview.
5. Leave room for disagreement among faithful Christians.
   Some may prioritize different issues, life, poverty, freedom, education. We must not bind consciences where Scripture does not.

Let’s get specific: Key Cultural Issues worth Reflection

As we consider how to vote in light of Scripture and conscience, here are two current issues of particular relevance that directly impact the witness and freedom of the church as I see it.

1. Religious Liberty and Tax-Exempt Status

In December 2024, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance released a report that included Recommendation 430, which proposed amending the Income Tax Act to remove “the advancement of religion” as a recognized charitable purpose. While this recommendation has not been enacted into law, it represents a serious shift in how religious organizations may be viewed by policymakers.

This proposal has raised significant concern among Christian communities across Canada. If implemented, it could jeopardize the ability of churches to operate with the same legal and financial standing they’ve historically enjoyed, limiting their ability to disciple families, serve the vulnerable, and maintain public witness. As you vote, consider whether the policies you support protect or penalize gospel work. What would this mean for the future of the church in Canada? Will it promote or hinder the advance of the gospel?

This is not the vision of our founders. When Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, one of the Fathers of Confederation, proposed the name Dominion of Canada, he did so after reading Psalm 72:8: “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea.” That Scripture-based vision reflects a time when Christian faith was understood to be a gift to the nation, not a threat. We should be mindful of how our votes reflect, or reject, that heritage.

1. Gender Ideology
   Gender ideology is not just a cultural debate, it's a theological concern, and it’s at the center of what will lead to the flourishing of society. Scripture teaches that we are created male and female (Genesis 1:27), and this design is good, it leads to good for humanity. Some in our political landscape are committed to promoting and enforcing gender ideology in schools, healthcare, and public policy, often at the expense of parental rights and religious freedom, while others are more cautious, recognising that the state has no role in promoting this secular sacrament of gender reassignment on society.

Over 150 years ago, Bishop John Strachan, a foundational figure in Canadian public education and a committed Christian leader, warned, “You cannot divorce religion from education because schools will inevitably reflect the philosophical and religious—or irreligious—biases of those who direct them.” His words remain prophetic. Today, we are witnessing the replacement of biblical anthropology with an aggressive ideology that shapes not just policy, but the moral imaginations of children.

I recognize that many believers work or study in environments where this ideology is assumed, or who have family/personal dynamics that make these issues a cross you bear for the sake of Christ. We need both courage and grace to live faithfully in the tension.

Christians must approach this with both truth and compassion, loving our neighbours while resisting falsehood. When you vote, consider how these policies impact children, families, and the church's ability to speak freely.

Some Questions to Prayerfully Ask Before Voting

• Does this platform promote policies consistent with God's design for life, family, and freedom?
• Will this candidate govern with justice and humility?
• Am I voting out of fear or faith?
• Am I loving my neighbour through this vote?

Wherever you land politically, our unity in Christ remains. Let’s encourage one another to walk in truth, grace, and faithfulness, seeking first the Kingdom of God together.

Whether your preferred candidate wins or loses, Christ remains risen, reigning, and returning. We continue in prayer, in witness, and in service to our communities. The mission of our church does not change with governments. We preach Christ, make disciples, and live quietly, working with our hands (1 Thess. 4:11).

We do not vote to take back the culture, but to live faithfully within it. We plant gardens, raise families, preach the gospel, and seek the good of Burlington and Ontario, until Christ returns.

Editorial Note: After the original publication of this article, local MP Karina Gould contacted us to clarify that she does not support revoking the charitable status of churches which had previously been attributed to her, based on concerns that were not fully verified. The concern addressed in this article has been updated to reflect broader policy recommendations made by the federal Standing Committee on Finance in December 2024. The aim is to encourage thoughtful Christian engagement, not to misrepresent individual politicians.

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada: EFC Charitable Status Alert

Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC): CCCC Response to Finance Committee