Some of the UK’s largest churches are heading to the party political conferences later this month to show that faith and politics really can go together.
The Methodist Church will be joined by the Baptist Union, the United Reformed Church, The Salvation Army and the Society of Friends in holding a series of meetings at the conferences.
Politicians, church representatives and members of the public will be invited to the breakfast meetings where they will be able to discuss challenging issues at the forefront of British politics.
The delegation will focus on a different theme at each meeting. The issue of focus at the Labour conference will be “a new deal on asylum” while at the Conservative conference delegates will tackle the issue of inclusive communities.
At the Liberal Democrat conference the meeting will see the church representatives and politicians dig into the issue of whether our resources liberate or enslave others.
Methodist Vice President, Dudley Coates, is among the speakers who will present at each event. He said, “Everyone is welcome to attend these events - we want to encourage people to get involved in politics and be prepared to ask the hard questions that affect us all.
“We have the power to make a difference, but so many of us don’t use it.
“But it’s not just about lobbying or making a point, we need to be prepared to listen and learn as well. We want to challenge politicians, but also support their commitment to working for change”
Other speakers at the meetings include the Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne MP, and Moderator of the Free Churches Group, the Rev David Coffey. The President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Graham Carter, and Parliamentary and Political Affairs Secretary Alison Jackson will also attend each event.
The Conservative Christian Fellowship will also join David Cameron and other members of the Shadow Cabinet at the church service to open the Conservative Party Conference in Bournemouth on Sunday 1st October, which will feature gospel choir “The Tribe of Judah”.
Later on in the day the Rt Hon William Hague MP will discuss the question of ‘Do we need a 21st Century Wilberforce?’ together with the Rev Steve Chalke.
The discussion will be hosted by Premier Radio and the Conservative Christian Fellowship and will be broadcast by Premier Radio.