In Matthew 13:36-43, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds. The basic teaching is that at the end of the age there will be a great harvest. “The weeds” will be thrown into hell, while “the wheat” will shine like stars in a new world. Until that great day, the righteous and unrighteous shall coexist in this world.
It has struck me afresh in recent weeks that this is a perfect analogy for Christian engagement in politics. At CARE (Christian Action Research and Education), we are deeply privileged to have an office at the heart of Westminster. We are just five minutes walk (three if you leg it!) from the Houses of Parliament. Our location facilitates our relational approach to political engagement.
And what we experience is just like the parable. We see both evil being done, but also good being achieved as well. And because of how laws are made, we often see good and evil being achieved in the same piece of legislation.
Our next PM? Burnham, Streeting & faith
Editor's note, added 19 June 2026: Andy Burnham has won the by-election in Makerfield. Earlier this week, we published …