09 June 2017
Statement following General Election
Statement following General Election
Following the election results, the President and
Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Dr Roger L
Walton and Ms Rachel Lampard MBE, made the following
statement:
Today we are grateful that the people of the United Kingdom are
able to debate and vote peacefully, and to elect our leaders
democratically.
The importance of this is all too apparent in the aftermath of the
atrocities suffered in Manchester and London during the election
campaign. While acts of terrorism seek to undermine our democracy,
by choosing to cast their ballot yesterday people demonstrated a
commitment to a hopeful and just future for our country.
Some will be pleased by the outcome, some will be disappointed,
others will be concerned. We invite you to pray for those
working to form a government and for all of our newly elected MPs,
that they may represent constituents' concerns and interests in the
House of Commons with wisdom, compassion and dedication. We also
ask you to remember all those who make the democratic process
possible, from council officials to those who put themselves
forward for election, often at great personal cost.
A hung Parliament is a reminder that politics does not end with
elections. As the Government is formed, at a time of uncertainty
for our country, we call on all members of Parliament to act in
ways that will build a society with the common good at its heart.
We commit ourselves and ask the Methodist people to be active
participants in our democracy, encouraging and challenging those
who have been elected. We are called particularly to advocate for
the needs of the most vulnerable in our society and world.
Finally, we rejoice in God's promise that the Kingdom of God is
coming, and recognise that it is also ushered in today when we
embrace principles of justice, mercy and peace; may we continue to
do so.
Revd Dr Roger L Walton, President of the Methodist
Conference
Ms Rachel Lampard MBE, Vice-President of the Methodist
Conference
