Faith and politics gets a REFORM!

Preston Manning to talk about Christianity in the public sphere

The man credited as the Godfather of the current Conservative government thinks Christianity should be part of the public conversation. Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning will present this idea at an event called Faith and Politcs, May 16 at the Riverside Palace Banquet Hall.

"These events focus on the subject of engaging, encouraging, and equipping Christians to become more aware of the public policy and political issues that affect each one of us and to become the 'salt and light' Jesus calls us to be in our communities," said Darrel Reid, vice president of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy.

Manning will present a Biblical case for Christian involvement in public affairs at the event. He will also share how his faith motivated him to get involved in politics and eventually start the Reform Party in 1987.

Manning has been dubbed the unofficial "Godfather" of the current Conservative Party after Reform was left to rebuild Canadian conservatism after the Brian Mulroney Progressive Conservatives lost support with the country in the early 1990s.

After the event attendees will be invited to attend a seminar June 2nd at BCIT. The day long seminar will expand on the faith and political topics talked about at the May 16 event and will provide practical training on how to use faith in the public sphere.

"The overall aim is to give attendees the inspiration and training to get involved in their communities on issues God is calling them to address," Reid explained. "I want to be very clear that this is a non-partisan event. It is not designed to recruit people for any particular political party or cause. Its aim is to encourage Christians to examine their calling then get involved in the issues God has placed on their hearts.

Reid said one of major themes at Manning's May 16 talk is caution. "Christian zeal must be tempered with wisdom, prudence and respect for others."

Faith and Politics is a free event and begins at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Palace Banquet Hall. The June 2 seminar at BCIT is $50 for adults and $20 for students. For more information visit the event's website here.