As we draw closer to the date of the General Election on July 4, Christians are being encouraged to pray and participate through asking questions of candidates and voting. Some of our churches will hold hustings and you can find details of the ones we are aware of below.
Chaplains in this diocese have produced some reflections on issues and areas they know well to aid your reflections. You can download the booklet below. The booklet offers questions and pointers for prayer for those who want to deepen their understanding of some of the challenging issues we face in our area. It is not about party politics - it hopes to encourage us all to be informed about the issues faced by our neighbours across the diocese, before we cast our vote..
Download the booklet by clicking here or on the image below.
As Bishop Karen, who commissioned the reflections, says: "This briefing on key issues and pointers for our prayers has been compiled by the sector chaplains and others in the diocese. As people on the ground it highlights their current concerns and the areas of our common life which need addressing by any incoming government.
"I hope that this briefing will be useful to inform our local understanding of national issues, to help us question candidates standing for election, and to prayerfully reflect on our gospel values. There are many other themes, however these selected seemed particularly pertinent to our own situation. "
Election hustings
Hustings are being organised in several of our market towns and cities. Find out about the ones we know of below, or send us details so we can advertise others.
17 June Blandford Forum Parish Church 7.30pm
17 June Devizes School 7.30pm
23 June St Thomas' Church Salisbury 6-7.30pm
24 June St Mary's Church Maiden Newton 7pm
25 June Bishop Wordsworth's School Salisbury 6-7.30pm
For more details on any of these events, please do approach the venue direct.