Christ and Presidential Politics

In Haiti, politics and evangelical Christianity are at odds. Churches distrust the government because of its historic corruption and disinterest in the plight of its people. But the government has tremendous power to affect a society and is ordained by God according to Scripture (Rom. 13:1-7). While it is clear in Haiti that the church can’t endorse any one candidate or platform, it is not often clear what it should do. This question has gained significance around Haiti’s November 28 presidential elections. Faith in Christ must not be compartmentalized to our private lives. Christ is the Lord of all things—even those that don’t acknowledge his rule. That is why we teach that Christ not only saves individuals, he also works through his Holy Spirit and church to change entire communities (a job that will not be complete until his Second Coming). The church must hold government accountable to seek peace and justice for the people of Haiti. Please pray that despite their disappointment, Haitian Christians would be prophets and witnesses to their government. Pray also that Haitian Christians will set aside their cynicism and vote in the Nov. 28 election and potential repeat elections. Finally, pray that the elections will be transparent and fair.

UPDATE: Elections on 28 November were more or less peaceful. However, there are many accusations of fraud, so much so that thirteen candidates called for the results to be annulled. Later, some of the candidates backed away from this statement, but are still expressing concerns about the behavior of the party backed by Haitian President Rene Preval. There have been and continue to be many demonstrations on the streets of Haiti's cities against the elections. Results will be published 7 December.