Election Briefing 2015 launched

The Christian Institute’s Election Briefing 2015 is now available – providing clear, non-party political information on vital election issues.

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Election Briefing 2015 is the only in-depth analysis of party policies on key issues for Christians as they consider how to vote on 7 May.

It provides an insight into subjects including freedom of speech, religious liberty, marriage and the sanctity of life.

Prepared

Colin Hart, The Christian Institute’s Director, said: “As Christians we must challenge those seeking our vote, those who want to run the country, and make sure they understand our concerns – whether it’s standing up for persecuted Christian minorities overseas, helping vulnerable people in the UK, or defending our right to preach the Gospel.

This is why we’ve put together this detailed resource for the millions of Christians in the UK.”

Election Briefing 2015 is at the centre of The Christian Institute’s election resources. Also available is a QuestionCard for quizzing candidates and your MP’s voting record on a range of moral issues.

Our series of short Election Focus videos also feature at https://www.christian.org.uk/election.

Vote

Election Briefing 2015 examines the current political landscape and why Christians should vote.

It considers the coalition Government’s record in office, analysing issues such as same-sex marriage, ‘British values’, drugs and free speech.

Policies from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour, Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, UK Independence Party, Green Party, Christian Party and the Christian Peoples Alliance are then laid out.

Listening

Mr Hart said: “When just a few thousand votes could determine the outcome of the General Election in less than three weeks’ time, all the political parties should be listening to Christian voters.

“In England the Government’s push for ‘British values’ in schools has been used by Ofsted to undermine schools with a religious ethos.

“In Scotland the introduction of a state-appointed ‘named person’ for every child – regardless of any need – has been widely seen to undermine parental rights. And across the United Kingdom there is widespread concern that equality laws are being used to sideline Christians like the owners of Ashers Baking Company in Northern Ireland.

Antagonising Christians

“But none of the main parties are talking about these issues, and both the current Government and its predecessor have a track record of antagonising Christians. They need to end this war on those with traditional beliefs and re-engage with the millions of Christians in the UK who are now asking how to, and even if they should, vote in this election.

“We know that Christians up and down the country are confused about where politicians stand on the issues they care about. They are concerned about many of the policies and statements they’ve heard from our politicians – of all colours – over recent years.

“But I would still urge them to vote and play an active part in the General Election. The state is a means of God’s ‘common grace’ and will act on God’s behalf for all people – not just Christians. In casting a vote we are choosing those who rule us, so there is a sense in which electors are ‘part of Caesar’. It’s an important role we all have.

Election Briefing 2015 can be downloaded from https://www.christian.org.uk/election, or a physical copy can be pre-ordered from The Christian Institute’s office on 0191 281 5664 or info@https://www.christian.org.uk.