06 September 2010
You've got one minute with Cameron and Clegg: what would you say?
The Methodist Church, Baptist Union of Great Britain and United
Reformed Church have launched a video campaign asking people what
they would say if they had just one minute with David Cameron and
Nick Clegg.
The My
Minute campaign launched today aims to give people a voice in
politics and encourage political engagement. Participants can
communicate their message to camera however they choose - speaking,
rapping, singing, praying, miming, dancing or holding up pictures
or signs. The three Churches are asking people to email the link to
their video as soon as they have uploaded it to a video sharing
site, such as YouTube or Vimeo. Videos will then be featured on the
my minute website.
Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church,
said: "Politics isn't just for the politicians; it shouldn't become
a closed realm accessible only to the few. Like the Church,
politics should be open to everyone. My Minute is about enabling
people's voices to be heard."
Human rights activist Peter Tatchell and award-winning broadcaster
Mark Dowd have already filmed their My Minute videos. "2010 so far
is the hottest year on record in terms of planetary temperatures,"
said Mark, Director of Education and Communications at Operation
Noah. "This is not a time to make cuts."
The Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe, Moderator of the General Assembly of the
United Reformed Church, said: "My Minute is a great way for those
of us in the Churches to show we're in touch with the major issues
facing people in today's world. Jesus always helped powerless
people to discover their voice - let's follow his example and speak
out - especially on behalf of people whose needs may not otherwise
be noticed by our political leaders."
People are being encouraged to tell others about their My Minute
video via Facebook, Twitter and blogging sites. People can also
check out the latest videos by following @myminute2010 on Twitter
or using the #myminute hashtag. The three Churches will be
contacting Number 10 Downing Street to let the Prime Minister and
his deputy know what people want to say to them.
"Politics should always be about participation," said Revd Jonathan
Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
"Our hope is that the passionate convictions of many will find
expression through this campaign, and that key messages and
concerns will find a response within Government."