Leaders from the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches have written to Andy Burnham as he takes up office as Prime Minister, assuring him of their prayers and offering partnership in pursuing justice and peace.
The letter, signed by the Revd Mark Slaney and Caroline Stead (President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference), the Revd Neil Thorogood (Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly), and the Revd Lynn Green (General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain), emphasises partnership, explaining that:
‘As Church denominations, we share a vision of a society where the poorest and most marginalised are at the centre, where refugees are welcomed, where the environment is renewed, where a just economy enables the flourishing of all life, and where politics is characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness, and of a world that actively works for peace. Where there is common ground around this agenda, we are committed to seeking a constructive relationship with your government which will help to enable those hopes to be fulfilled.’
In the letter, the church leaders note the many challenges facing government and local communities, from the cost of living to the impacts of global conflict, and emphasise the urgent need to restore faith in politics.
The leaders have also written to Sir Keir Starmer as he steps down from office.
The signatories commit to praying for God’s blessing on all endeavours to seek peace, justice and the wellbeing of the nation. We invite JPIT supporters and churches to join us in prayer for Andy Burnham and the new government at this time of transition.
Read the letter in full below.