NWCT urges churches to stage election hustings

 

The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and NWCT leader for the Church of England, has urged churches to get involved in hosting election meetings later this year.  

He says: “Church-run hustings with prospective parliamentary candidates can help different voices be respectfully heard and wise choices be made. When we come to vote in the General Election we bring to that moment our own situation, the needs of our community, and our concerns for the world. As Christians, when marking the ballot paper with a cross, we also bring our attentive reflection on the scriptures and God’s vision in Jesus for the life of the Kingdom. “

 

Before a General Election, churches and community organisations often host election meetings, also known as hustings. These meetings provide an opportunity for the public to listen to the candidates and ask them questions. The purpose of these events is to serve the public, support the democratic process, encourage public debate, and contribute to the common good. Both candidates and voters appreciate the chance to engage in respectful discussions in a neutral setting.

To ensure that these events are safe and compliant with the law, the Joint Public Issues Team of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches has developed new guidance.  It has been developed in collaboration with other organisations such as CTE, Church of England, Quakers, and the Catholic Church.  A pdf copy of the guidance is available to download

 

Dr Ian Watson, County Ecumenical Officer  for NWCT, says: “This year’s General Election is one of the most important ones in a generation for all citizens but especially for Christians.   There are many deep-seated social, justice, health, environment and economic (especially poverty) challenges that need to be addressed by whichever political party is elected.  Organising meetings with political candidates to hear directly from them and to ask questions is something churches are well positioned to facilitate.  

"In Norfolk and Waveney we have over 30 local Churches Together Groups spread across the county.   These local ecumenical groups are ideally placed to organise local hustings on behalf of their communities and member churches.  I know that the political landscape is pretty bleak just now, but as Christians we always have hope, so I urge all our Churches Together groups to get involved in organising hustings to challenge, question and yes encourage parliamentary candidates from the perspective of the Gospel.  The guidance from CTBI is important because it will help ensure the discussion is not only respectful and protects the dignity of all but legally compliant.”

The link for the CTBI dedicated election website is:  http://www.churcheselection.org.uk/