Christian parents need to raise their children to be politically active - here’s why and how

In an age of political division and tension, we might want to shield children from politics - but Max Stenner from Christian Democracy UK encourages parents instead to see that helping youth and children engage with our shared social and political life is essential for their development as well as the future of our country

As the Chair of Christian Democracy UK, (founded in September last year to renew Britain’s political and cultural life through traditional Christian principles) I often hear from Christian parents. They express a common tension: in today’s noisy, divisive political world, they want their children to grow up informed about civic life, yet they fear the overwhelming secular ideologies, cultural pressures, and partisan shouting matches that dominate headlines, social media, and even classrooms.

Parents, take heart: you can spiritually encourage your children thoughtfully, without fear, and watch God shape them into faithful stewards of our society

Through Christian Democracy UK, we seek to chart a path beyond the tired left-right divides, to a “sensible centre” grounded in Scripture, human dignity, and love. Political engagement, for us, isn’t about party loyalty or winning arguments; it’s an extension of discipleship. It’s about guiding young people towards Christianity and honouring Britain’s rich Christian heritage, pursuing the common good, and engaging in public life, with wisdom and grace. Parents, take heart: you can spiritually encourage your children thoughtfully, without fear, and watch God shape them into faithful stewards of our society.

Loving our neighbour, as Jesus commands in Mark 12:31, doesn’t stop at personal kindness, it reaches into how we order our shared life together. Scripture calls us to justice, mercy, and humble stewardship in every sphere, including the public one. Civic participation is simply living out these commands in our shared public, social and political life.

we can proactively form children in biblical wisdom so they can discern and respond faithfully, contributing to a society that upholds life, family, and moral integrity

Our young people are already soaking up political messages from every direction, often secular, materialist, or hostile to traditional Christian values. Rather than retreating in fear, Christian parents can step forward with the truth of the Gospel. This moment is an opportunity; a time when we can ……