The Rt Revd Paul Ferguson, the Church of England Bishop of Whitby, and the Rt Revd Terence Drainey, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough, joined leaders from all faith groups in Middlesbrough to sign an election statement at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Tuesday, March 24.
The Rt Revd Paul Ferguson, Bishop of Whitby said: “There are some people who say that religion shouldn’t mix with politics.
“But much of faith concerns how we should treat others, and much of politics is about that as well. In the Bible, God says we must love our neighbour as ourselves.
“And there’s a lot in the Bible too about justice and fairness too. Using our vote and getting involved in how our community is governed is one way to do that.
“The statement that I and other faith leaders have signed sums up how we’d like people to be treated, and how we want our society to grow.
“I hope it encourages people of all faiths to use their vote in the forthcoming General Election, and encourages politicians to consider how they can make our society stronger and healthier.”
The Rt Revd Terence Drainey, Bishop of Middlesbrough, said: “Working in the spirit of love and justice every day can make a difference to so many peoples’ lives.
“At this election, we are called to transform our faith into action for positive change. Now is our opportunity to challenge the candidates for election to answer our questions on how they intend to respond to the pressing social issues affecting our families and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.”
Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor Councillor Budd, Chair of the Middlesbrough Interfaith Network, said: “Politics is all about opinions and trying to bring others round to our view of the world, and in doing so making the world a better place for all.
“With local and national elections just around the corner, it’s more important than ever that we remember the values we have in common.
“This affirmation is a timely demonstration of our determination to work constructively together regardless of differences of faith or politics, as we strive to build communities that are peaceful, tolerant and ensure the protection of the vulnerable.”
The statement reads: “We affirm
the sacredness of all human life as the basis of how we think and behave
that we share a commitment to seek the common good as the basis for a just society
that people who are poor and at risk are specially deserving of fair treatment, protection and dignity
the right of every person to decent standards of food, shelter and clothing, health care, employment and education
that workers should be safe and have fair wages
our responsibility to care for the environment and hand it on in the best state possible to the next generation
our duty to promote peace as the fruit of justice, to honour people of all cultures and faiths, to serve those who have experienced injustice or persecution and to welcome people who are in need of a safe refuge
that we stand together against all harm and abuse motivated by hate and prejudice
that it is important for us all to take our part in building society, including voting in accord with our conscience.”