Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Church leaders have issued a joint statement following the General Election:
We congratulate Sir Keir Starmer on his appointment as Prime Minister, and all who will now take their seats representing their constituencies as Members of Parliament in Westminster.
The election campaign has been hard-fought, but we know that the real challenges still lie ahead.
The new government inherits a situation where poverty in the UK has been increasing and deepening at an alarming rate. Conflict and persecution in different parts of the world are forcing many to flee their homes to seek safety in other countries including the UK. The existential threat of climate change is causing enormous suffering to both humankind and the wider natural world. There is an urgent need for politicians to restore trust and rebuild integrity in public life. There are also huge pressures on the NHS, on social care, on the criminal justice system, education and other public services, as well as on the public finances.
It is clear that there is an appetite for change in the country, but also a need to restore faith in the ability of politics to meet these challenges.
We urge the new government to put the needs of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised at the forefront as it wrestles to respond to these problems. We also encourage it to work in partnership with local communities to tackle them, in recognition that we all have a part to play in these endeavours, and welcome the commitment made by the new Prime Minister to build strong partnerships with faith groups. Churches across the UK will continue to respond practically in many different ways, but we also look forward to building relationships with the new government and newly elected MPs, and remain ready to support policies and initiatives that offer just and sustainable long-term solutions.
We offer our prayers for the Prime Minister, for the new government and for all elected MPs. We will pray for God’s blessing to be on all endeavours to seek peace, justice and the wellbeing of this nation – and where we can embody that blessing, we will.
Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain
Revd Helen Cameron and Carolyn Godfrey, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference
Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church
A Prayer
God of all nations,
We lift up to you our newly elected leaders and government officials. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and a spirit of service as they undertake their duties. May they be guided by a commitment to the common good, justice, and the welfare of all citizens.
May they govern with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Send your new or returning MP a card
The first few months for a new MP can be challenging as they get established. Whether your MP is new or returning to the role, we are inviting all churches to let your MP know that you care, you are praying for them and you would like to support them as they seek to serve the local community. Even if they aren’t the candidate you voted for, will you show that your church cares?