What’s the role of the church in politics? This is well illustrated by John Stott one of the great Christian philosophers of our times. Stott believed that Christians should be the salt of the earth and light of the world, meaning that they should guide and lead the way and bring social, political and economic transformation for the greater good of humankind. Stott speaks of people feeling alienated from the very system they have created when they sense that they are politically or economically powerless.
Alienation is the frustration of ordinary people who are excluded from the processes of decision-making. This sense of pessimism is palpable in Meghalaya today as we stand to vote yet another government on February 23. People feel helpless as they are made to choose candidates they don’t wish to see representing them. These candidates have been dumped on the electorate by political parties who only assess their winnability factor. And that power to win is directly proportionate to their spending power. It seems that the present set of candidate see people as purchasable commodities and at other times as dispensable rubbish. But is that not the power we ourselves have given to our MLAs time and again?
The Churches in Meghalaya have not been pro-active in directing their adherents to refrain from making a farce of democracy by participating in s system that thrives through sheer use of money power. In many instances, members of the church have colluded with some of the affluent candidates in their fold and have secretly campaigned for them as a quid pro quo for helping the church when they are voted to power. The silence of the churches during elections does not mean they are apolitical. Many church elders are themselves contesting elections and they are not the best examples of ethical behaviour and propriety in public life. Some have amassed huge amounts of development funds but continue to be patronised by the church/churches because of the monetary contributions they make or the political patronage the churches enjoy. No wonder the church has failed to be the salt and light in Meghalaya. It is doubtful if at this juncture the church could bring any change in voter behaviour. Candidates have already splashed so much money around that stopping now could impede their progress/success. The church therefore seems to have become only a social space for meeting people who believe in the same creed and one that gives us a decent burial space.