Reformed Party

The Dutch Reformed Political Party, known in the Netherlands as the Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij (SGP), is a conservative, Christian political party that has its roots deeply embedded in the Dutch Reformed tradition. Founded in 1918, it is the oldest existing…   political party in the Netherlands. The SGP is known for its orthodox Protestant beliefs and values, drawing its primary support from the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.<br /><br />The core values of the SGP revolve around the belief in the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life, including politics and government. The party advocates for policies and laws that are in alignment with Biblical principles, emphasizing the importance of the Christian faith in public life and the moral and ethical standards derived from the Bible. This perspective influences their stance on a wide range of issues, from social and ethical matters to education and the environment.<br /><br />The SGP is staunchly pro-life, opposing abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage, reflecting its commitment to traditional Christian values. In the realm of education, the party supports the right of parents to choose schools that align with their religious beliefs, including publicly funded religious schools. The SGP also champions the importance of the family as a fundamental unit of society, advocating for policies that support family life and child-rearing.<br /><br />Economically, the SGP adopts a conservative approach, favoring a limited role for the government in the market while emphasizing the importance of social welfare for those in need, based on the principle of Christian charity. The party also has a distinctive view on environmental stewardship, advocating for the responsible care of God's creation, which translates into support for sustainable development and environmental protection measures.<br /><br />On the international stage, the SGP is cautious about European integration, valuing national sovereignty, and has a strong commitment to supporting Israel, reflecting its interpretation of Biblical prophecies.<br /><br />Despite its conservative stance on many issues, the SGP's approach to politics is characterized by a commitment to principled and respectful dialogue. The party seeks to represent its constituents by advocating for policies that reflect its Reformed Christian worldview, while also engaging with the broader Dutch society and the political spectrum. Over the years, the SGP has played a role in Dutch politics not by leading governments but by providing critical support to coalition governments, influencing policy and legislation from a position grounded in its religious and ethical convictions.Read more