The Bishops of the Church in Wales today (April 6) urged Christians to vote in the General Election on May 6 and to focus on the “common good”.
They also encouraged churches to hold debates between those standing for election in their communities.
The seven Bishops said Christians should use their vote, which was won at a price, to help create a more just society. They also asked them to pray for the candidates standing for election and issued a set of suggested prayers.
The Bishops said:
“For Christians, voting at the time of elections is not only a privilege but a duty and we write to urge you to take this responsibility seriously.
“The Christian faith is rooted in the incarnation of Jesus who preached good news to the poor and had a special care for the sick, for children, and those whom today we would describe in society as the ‘marginalised’. Christians, in following the example and teachings of Jesus, should also have a concern for the needs of the world and strive to establish a more just society.
“There are many parts of the world today where people do not have the opportunity of participating in a democratic process, and even in our own country the right for all adult citizens to vote was won at a price. There is of course, a temptation for people to vote for the party that will best serve their own interest, but as Christians we need to focus on gospel values and consider the ‘common good’. There are issues such as the sanctity of life, the care and sustainability of creation, freedom of belief, family life, child poverty, care of the elderly and building local communities for which we should have a particular concern.
“We urge you to pray for those who are standing for the General Election and where possible for churches to hold meetings to question candidates. Above all we urge you to use your vote; it can make a difference.”
The Bishops are:
The Archbishop of Wales, Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan
The Bishop of Monmouth, Rt Revd Dominic Walker OSG
The Bishop of Swansea & Brecon, Rt Revd John Davies
The Bishop of Bangor, Rt Revd Andy John
The Bishop of St Davids, Rt Revd Wyn Evans
The Bishop of St Asaph, Rt Revd Dr Gregory Cameron
The Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, Rt Revd David Wilbourne
