Christadelphians and Politics.


​For many decades, Christadelphians have purposefully avoided any involvement in politics––whether it is related to military service, active political service, or even jury duty, Christadelphians have chosen to stand aside. 

This stance is explained in the excerpt below.
Christadelphians believe differently. We accept fully the authority of the Bible and believe that it tells us of the unchanging and everlasting rule of God throughout human history. To unbelievers, a position of complete non-involvement in political affairs seems to be a negative attitude to the political challenges of the world. However, true Christians are men and women who are convinced that God is in control of human affairs, and that His plan and purpose is being worked out on this earth, regardless of what any man may do to thwart it. They believe that such non-involvement is a positive and deliberate statement of allegiance to God, and a complete subjection to His will. Convinced that God is in control-not man-such people take no part at all in politics. How are we to know which of our leaders is the one God wants to be in power? How shall we be sure, if we cast our vote, that we are voting for the person who is the right one in God's eyes? It is sufficient to know, and to be certain that God's will shall be done "on earth, as it is in heaven".
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- The Christian and Politics, ​available from ThisIsYourBible.com

Alan Overton


​In order to help Jews during the time of the Holocaust, it was necessary for some Christadelphians to involve themselves in politics. Consider the two quotes below, one from Bruce Overton, Alan Overton's son.
As the fear of hostilities breaking out between Britain and Germany became more apparent, the Government felt caution was needed to restrain the number of immigrants from the continent. Fear of German agents slipping in was a real possibility. However, my father lobbied and pleaded with Members of Parliament not to close the doors of Britain to these desperate Jews who sought refuge and asylum. He had to work very closely and in conjunction with the London Refugee Committee and the Home Office. Little did my father realize that the work begun in 1938 would continue through the war years until 1946 and even later.

​- Bruce Overton
Alan Overton, a shopkeeper from Rugby and a Christadelphian, not only lobbied Members of Parliament to help the Jews, but also helped to set up a network of hostels and foster homes amongst the members of the religious community. 

- Nicholas Burkitt; British Society and the Jews; ​pg. 73

Lyndon Johnson

Additionally, President Lyndon Johnson is known for his attempt to save Jews––an attempt known as "Operation Texas." This rescue mission was one that President Johnson, then simply a congressman, was able to complete because of his involvement in politics. Nevertheless, it's thought that he was inspired to do so because of his Christadelphian background.

To read more about "Operation Texas" and its connection to Christadelphians, click one of the buttons below.
This presented Christadelphians with a conflict––should they attempt to involve themselves in politics in order to save more lives? Or should they hold to their principles? Or, perhaps try to do a hybrid of both?