17 September 2009
Churches' delegation to attend the three main political party conferences
Christian leaders will engage with politicians at the three main
party political conferences over the next few weeks.
Senior representatives from the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the
Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and The Salvation Army
will attend the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party
conferences to discuss their shared concerns.
The Churches' delegation will emphasise the importance of working
together to achieve international agreements which address climate
change, fairer trade arrangements and the regulation of financial
markets in order to benefit the poorest communities. Nuclear
weapons, asylum seekers and migration will also feature on the
Christian group's agenda.
Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great
Britain, said: "At each party conference we will meet with
politicians, listening to their concerns and sharing our own.
Politicians, whether they work at a national, regional or local
level, often feel disconnected from the Churches and this is a
wonderful opportunity to make contact with them and assure them of
our prayerful concern."
As well as building relationships, the representatives will offer
visible support for the ministry of Christians involved in
politics, promote the work of the Churches and strengthen
ecumenical links through discussions on social issues.
Richard Vautrey, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, said:
"We want to offer our support for the ministry of Christians
involved in politics as well as to highlight the importance of
Christian engagement with politics."
For several years the Churches have been coming together to
organise a joint delegation to the party conferences, and it has
now become an established date in the Church leaders'
calendar.
The Revd John Marsh, Moderator of the United Reformed Church
General Assembly, said: "The party conferences are taking place in
an election year at a time of widespread disillusionment in the
political process in the UK following the MPs' expenses scandal. We
look forward to engaging with politicians at the party conferences
this year to encourage them to continue pursuing constitutional
renewal to restore confidence in the political process."
This year the delegation will be supporting the work of Citizens
for Sanctuary; a campaign calling for justice for people seeking
sanctuary, following the report of the Independent Asylum
Commission last year.
Tim Stone, Public Affairs Officer for The Salvation Army UK and
Ireland, said: "Especially now, at this time of economic crisis,
The Salvation Army is joining with other Christian Churches to
remind politicians of the plight of the most vulnerable in
society.
"When budgets are tight, it may be too easy for decision makers to
consider slashing public funding for families and individuals
without being held fully to account. However, there is growing
evidence that failing to look after all members of our society will
only store up more problems for tomorrow."