Diocese Election website

The Diocese of Leicester has developed an Election 2010 website, with links to Events, Resources and reasons to get involved:

The challenge to our churches in today’s sectarian society is not to retract into some sort of Christian ghetto, but to be outward looking and acting, especially in the process of democratic renewal.

'This must reach out to everyone and in some areas it will require a change in attitudes and behaviour from politicians, churches and local communities. The church is charged with having a prophetic voice – not always a way to gain popularity – which shows people and communities a way forward into a more just, fair and equitable society.

The 2010 General Election is an opportunity for the Christian churches to offer neutral, safe and open space to begin this process.'

Help make poverty an election issue

Now the General Election has finally been called, Christian Aid are asking supporters to help turn politicians’ minds to the crucial issues of tax dodging and climate change, as part of Christian Aid’s bid to keep global poverty high on the political agenda.

They are not suggesting who you should vote for! However, they hope that every new MP will have been asked, repeatedly, about his or her views on climate change and tax dodging before they enter office. Every MP should be fully aware that ambitious action to tackle these issues is exactly what many of their constituents demand.

Join the Christian Aid Election Campaign Trail and keep up with developmrents by becoming a fan of the Christian Aid Facebook page or follow on Twitter.

Preparing churches for the General Election 2010

A General Election will be held sometime before 3 June 2010. Christians across the country will be campaigning for different parties or standing for election. Churches may host hustings meetings where candidates can be questioned by local voters, and voters will have the opportunity to decide who they wish to vote for, and which party’s policies most closely match their own hopes and values. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has published a document, Faith in Politics, which covers a range of the most important policy issues, such as children and young people, criminal justice, the economy, education, environment, health, migration, poverty, and others. For each topic there are sections on subject background, the main issues, suggested questions to candidates and contact details for more information.

All the subject sections in Faith in Politics are available as web pages online, and additional material and links will be added as the election draws closer. The work comprises a series of articles on a variety of topics.