Following the election this spring, many MPs are returning to Ottawa, and others will be new to Parliament. This is an opportunity for all of us to engage in meaningful and proactive ways with MPs. What does civic engagement – deeply rooted in our faith – look like?
Certainly we’re called to pray for our government and for our local MPs. Let’s recommit today to praying daily or weekly for our country, our prime minister and our elected representatives (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
Serving in public office can bring pressure from all sides, as well as stress on family life and health. MPs must manage complex issues, balance competing interests and navigate the intricacies of legislation and governance. We can pray for wisdom, clarity, grace and strength for them, for God’s blessing on them, their staff and their families.
In Romans 13 Paul instructs us to obey the governing authorities since they are God’s servant to do good. (Paul likely wrote this while Nero was emperor.) We can ask God for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, that justice and peace would flow in this world now.
We can also take a step locally to reach out to our MP. Congratulating a local MP on their election is a simple, positive way to build a bridge, regardless of political differences.
It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Send a card, write an email, leave a voice mail. Mention your name and that you live in the riding. Thank your MP for being willing to represent your community. Tell them you’re praying for them, for wisdom, grace and courage as they serve.
MPs receive a lot of criticism, negativity and even threats of violence. Imagine if Canada’s Christian community was intentional about speaking encouragement and sharing God’s love with our elected officials, thanking them for their service and assuring them of our regular prayers. This is a way for the light of Christ to shine in us.
When we communicate with MPs, we can remind ourselves they, too, are made by God in His image and loved by Him. They too are our neighbours. And we are called to love our neighbours as we are salt and light in the world.
Congratulating an MP can be the first step in developing a relationship and laying the groundwork for respectful engagement.
You can find your MP’s name and contact information at
OurCommons.ca. For more ideas about how to communicate well, see
TheEFC.ca/CivicEngagementKit.
As citizens of God’s kingdom and of Canada, we are called to be active participants in seeking the common good. Praying for and reaching out to our local MP is one of the ways we can fulfill this calling.
As the EFC’s 2025 election brochure noted, “Our participation in discussions about public policy and politics, like our engagement in all of life and community, is part of our witness.”
This brochure was one of the resources the EFC was able to prepare and circulate – thanks to
your support – to equip Christians during the election. You can still visit
TheEFC.ca/Election to see our summaries of a few key issues (such as euthanasia, protecting kids online, charitable status). Our resources also reminded churches about CRA guidelines on election-related activities by charities.
As we engage with this new Parliament, let’s pray together for laws and policies that protect our neighbours in vulnerable situations, promote respect for human life and dignity and uphold religious freedom.
We are thankful for the many Canadian Christians who prayed and voted. We look forward to engaging together in the days to come.
What you can do
- Pray for our country and government – and your local MP.
- Congratulate your local MP by email, voicemail or a card. Find your MP at ourcommons.ca/members.
- Support the EFC’s work in the new Parliament.
Also in this issue:
Survey for women open until June 30, Meet the newest EFC staff, Reconciliation seeds bearing fruit, A note from EFC President David Guretzki.