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

For more information, please contact:
Anna Morrell
Archbishop's Media Officer / Swyddog y Cyfryngau i'r Archesgob
Tel: 02920 348208; mobile: 07 91 91 587 94
39 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff / 39 Heol y Gadeirlan, Caerdydd
CF11 9XF
http://www.churchinwales.org.uk
http://www.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk
 

Prayers

Prayers that may be used privately or publicly before a General Election.  Produced by the Church of England.

Loving God, thank you for caring about how our country is run, and that we have the right to vote for our politicians and government – but in the run-up to this general election there are so many policies to understand, and so many different points of view to consider.

Sometimes I wonder whether there is any point in voting, whether anyone cares what I think.
As I choose who I am going to vote for – help me not to be cynical about politics and politicians, help me to remember that my vote can make a difference, and help me to vote for those people who will protect the poor and vulnerable, and do all they can to make our nation a place of fairness and peace - because you call us to act justly, love mercy and walk humble with you, our God.  Amen.

Heavenly Father, source of all truth and wisdom, who knows and loves the whole creation, watch over our nation at election time; that truth may prevail over distortion, wisdom triumph over recklessness and the concerns of every person be heard.
Lord Jesus, who chose the way of the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane, help us to turn our backs on self-interest and support the policies that sustain the poor, the vulnerable and frightened people of this world.
Holy Spirit, who brought understanding among myriad people and languages at Pentecost, give to all your people a passion for peace and inspire us to work for unity and co-operation throughout the world and in our political life together.  Amen.

Lord, we give you thanks for the privileges and responsibilities of living in a democratic society.  Give us wisdom to play our part at election time, that, through the exercise of each vote, your Kingdom may come closer.  Protect us from the sins of despair and cynicism, guard us against the idols of false utopias and strengthen us to make politics a noble calling that serves the common good of all.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.