Former NI First Minister: ‘Christians are called to be salt and light’

Arlene Foster has defended the place of Christian convictions in the political arena.

Earlier this month, in an interview before a live audience in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland’s former First Minister talked openly about her life and faith.

During her lengthy political career, she has often spoken out in support of traditional marriage and the sanctity of all human life.

Faith and politics

In conversation with broadcaster Gerry Kelly, Mrs Foster said: “Christianity doesn’t call you to be neutral. It calls you to be salt and light about what you believe in.”

She added: “It does annoy me when people say you have to take religion out of politics and leave it at the door, like it only happens at the weekend. It is part of who you are.

Christianity doesn’t call you to be neutral. It calls you to be salt and light about what you believe in.

“Your Christianity and your faith is something that is with you all the time. You can’t just leave it at home on Sunday night and go out without it on Monday.”

Pro-life

In March 2021, Mrs Foster voiced her concern for the unborn during debate on The Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill, saying she would use her voice “to stand up for women who believe in protecting those young people who have Down’s Syndrome and who have value in this society”.

It does annoy me when people say you have to take religion out of politics and leave it at the door

She added: “This past year has taught us much about the fragility of life. No one’s life is less valuable, and this standard should apply to life inside and outside the womb.”

Arlene Foster resigned as First Minister for Northern Ireland in June and stood down as an MLA at the beginning of October.