Jonathan Bellamy spoke with Christians In Politics

Andy: I think it's also interesting that he used the word progressive, because progress is only really useful if you know where you are progressing to. As Christians we have a definite sense of where we are progressing to; that place of total healing and total restoration with God, the new heavens and the new earth. Often people talk about progress and you ask them, 'What are you progressing to'? They don't actually know where they're progressing to.

Elizabeth Berridge

The only way you can progress and provide momentum, is by moving away from things. Some of those roots that as a nation we have moved away from are things we don't want to move away from.

It's interesting that he said, 'I am progressive', but he also said, 'There are some issues where there's right or wrong', because quite often the progressive mindset doesn't say there is a right and wrong. I think that this new phase of discussion that we're in is a fantastic opportunity for Christians to get involved making those points, because there are very few other people speaking from a place of values and deep roots and deep conviction. So much of it is quite shallow. We really encourage listeners to be involved in local associations and local parties because you'd be surprised how much you are given responsibility very quickly.

Jonathan: Elizabeth, Tony Blair also said that this is a very exciting time for politics; very changing times. Do you think as Christians in politics that you can feel this sense of timeliness about what you are all involved with?

Elizabeth: Yes, I think we are increasingly seeing people come into politics with all kinds of different backgrounds and experiences. When we're talking about the Big Society and involvement in community, there are so many more MP's now who are social entrepreneurs who've got experience in the charity sector. There is timeliness. There's a huge legacy in this country, but also today a huge current input from the Christian community in exactly those areas. People need to be taking their experience, taking that knowledge of what does and doesn't work, particularly on behalf of the poorest in our communities and deciding that they want to participate; to be a decision maker locally or nationally, or support those decision makers using the experience they've got. It's a good moment to seek out and work out whether this is something you should be doing.

Jonathan: Andy, as well as working in politics, you're a music artist. Your campaigning heart comes through in both. Have you always that campaigning, politically/socially aware attitude?

Andy: I think so. I worked with Tear Fund over a succession of summers and heard a lot of stories and met people who have been affected by this global economic system and the military system of the world that really does abuse and oppress people. In seeing and learning that you can't help but get angry; you can't help but get passionate and start communicating. Being Irish as well you want to shout a bit.

Jonathan: If you shelved all of the political activity, what would all of you want to do

Andy: I'd rather be playing cricket.

Jonathan: What a great answer. Zoë, what about you?

Zoe: I'd be a psychologist.

Jonathan: Really! Have you got a bit of background in that?

Zoe: Yes, I did it as my degree and love it. It's so interesting.

Jonathan: Fantastic. How about you Elizabeth?