1 MAY 2026

Politics (part 2): The gold standard for Christian political engagement

Mark Pugh talks with Alicia Edmund and Peter Lynas from the Evangelical Alliance about Christian nationalism, cultural Christianity and how to lead well in a divided age.

You cannot scroll for long without seeing it. Christianity and politics colliding in ways that feel hopeful to some and unsettling to others. Crosses and flags. “Christian nation” language. Public figures claiming cultural Christianity. Churches then feeling the fallout, with people in the same congregation reacting in completely different ways.

In Politics (part 2) of the Elim Leaders Podcast, Mark Pugh is joined by Alicia Edmund, Head of Public Policy, and Peter Lynas, UK Director, from the Evangelical Alliance. Together they bring theological clarity, policy experience, and a refusal to accept the binary thinking that is pushing everyone into trenches.

They explore what people mean when they say “Christian nationalism”, why the label can both help and harm, and how leaders can respond without panic, performance, or partisan capture. Alicia offers an important caution that religious nationalism, of any kind, ultimately undermines gospel witness, and highlights how language and symbols can land very differently across cultures and communities. Peter adds a practical pastoral lens, urging leaders to keep Jesus at the centre, recognise which issues are foundational and which require wisdom and disagreement, and pay close attention to tone.

The conversation then turns toward action. What does mature Christian engagement look like around elections and public life? Their answer is refreshingly grounded: pray for your community, ask better questions, refuse personality-driven politics, and build relationships with local representatives so the church can speak with credibility on the issues it is already close to.

This episode is not about telling anyone which party to vote for. It is about helping leaders form disciples who can think Christianly, engage wisely, and keep unity in the body of Christ when politics tries to fracture it.

Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

Listen to Episode 10 and subscribe at elim.org.uk/elimleaderspodcast.