Archbishops call on voters to ignore language of prejudice
THE ARCHBISHOP of York is urging voters to “honour the gift of truth” as they engage in political debate in the run-up to the General Election.
In a pastoral letter to the Church of England, written jointly with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Dr John Sentamu encouraged people to play their part in the political process but – crucially – to “leave our echo chambers” to listen to those with different viewpoints.
The letter, which the archbishops hope will be shared in churches during the campaign, calls on people to engage responsibly on social media and uphold the Christian values of truth, humility and love.
As followers of Jesus Christ each of us is called to honour the gift of truth, both to speak it and to seek it,” they write.
“We all have a responsibility to speak accurately, to challenge falsehoods when we hear them, and to be careful to separate facts from opinion.”
But they add that this must be done with humility and in love.
“People who hold different political views are not our enemies,” they say.
The message also calls on Christians to reject the “language of prejudice”, particularly at a time when several groups – especially
We all have a responsibility to speak accurately, to challenge falsehoods.
From the pastoral letter written jointly by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. in Jewish and Muslim communities – feel threatened.
And it urges Christians to pray for those who stand for office, recognising the responsibilities they face and personal sacrifices they make.
It reads: “We often forget that our political leaders face huge responsibilities and challenges, and these come with personal sacrifices too. In our prayers for this election we should be thankful for those who put themselves forward for public service and ask that they will seek the common good and justice. We should take part, as important decisions are being made that will affect us all. That includes fulfilling our democratic duty to vote.”
And the Archbishops added: “Several groups, especially in Jewish and Muslim communities, feel threatened and are in much anxiety. No individual or community in our shared society should have reason to lack confidence in their belonging or security, so parties must make it an absolute priority to offer positive reassurance and avoid anything that increases the perception of fear.”