Calls for prayer ahead of general election

Church of England bishops are inviting the nation to hope and take part in the upcoming general election, which takes place on 4 July.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, are urging people to put aside time to hope but are also appealing for campaigning to be marked by “respect”, “good grace” and “a commitment to truth and integrity”.

A latest campaign called #PrayYourPart has been launched by the Church of England ahead of polling day, encouraging people to get entangled within the elections. 

The campaign features a set of every day reflections written by Church of England bishops and drawing from the Bible. These will probably be available in a booklet, app and audio form, in addition to through social media and emails.

The Archbishops said: “The coming general election is a critical moment within the lifetime of our nation, which can shape our future by electing those that will make decisions affecting generations to come back.

“It is a time for us all – people of all faiths and of none – to ask necessary questions on what sort of country we would like to be.

“We are facing epic challenges each in our country and our world: from questions of war and peace, to poverty and injustice and really way forward for the Earth God has given us.

“Faced with such huge questions, our instinct as Christians is to show to God in prayer and so we would like to place prayer on the very heart of this campaign.”

They continued, “It is our prayer that, even in the warmth of the controversy, we’ll treat one another with respect and kindness.

“And we give thanks for the dedication of all who stand for public office in service of our communities – often at great personal cost – and people who support the method.”

Christian charity CARE has launched a latest website to assist Christians engage with the elections and think through their policy priorities. 

The website includes a prayer journal, policy primers and interviews with Christian MPs, including Miriam Cates and Tim Farron.

“Over the subsequent six weeks, the political parties will probably be setting out their key election messages and publishing their manifestos,” said CARE CEO Ross Hendry.

“This is a big opportunity for Christians to be salt and lightweight by engaging with this election. What an immense opportunity, and what a privilege it’s to live in a democracy.” 

He added, “As we read in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: ‘I need people in every single place to hope for Kings and all those in authority …’

“What a joy it’s to know that over all of our politics, Jesus is King. Let’s pray that God raises up latest Christian MPs who will probably be salt and lightweight across Westminster.”