William Down's sermon on elections and politics, we were asked to republish notes drawn from a sermon delivered by Fr. Ewan Ratteray, rector of St. John's Church, Pembroke.

In the sermon last Sunday, Fr. Ratterary drew attention to the importance of the General Election: "Its outcome is critically important for the future of all our people. We need to pray for those who aspire to leadership in our community. The following are a few suggestions that we might offer in our prayers on their behalf. Pray that our leaders may: 1) Recognise and acknowledge that their authority (to govern) comes from God; 2) Be open and responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit; 3) Seek at all times the common good rather than selfish party political ends; 4) Not lose their conscience or compromise their faith for the sake of party unity or being seen as a team player; 5) Resist the temptation to misuse power, e.g. exploit or control the lives of others; 6) Seek to be builders, healers and reconcilers rather than people bent upon confrontation and destruction; 7) Be just and honest in all that they do.'' In addition, Fr. Ratteray called for the Election to be conducted with dignity and restraint, avoiding the unseemly practice of direct personal attack, noting: "Mud always sticks to the hands of he or she who slings it!''