General Election statements 

Joint statement following the General Election from Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Church leaders

5 July 2024

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.


The Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain

The Revd Helen Cameron and Carolyn Godfrey, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference

The Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church 
 

Post-Election letter for Baptist churches from General Secretary Lynn Green

'…Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'
Matthew 6:10

'…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you...'
Jeremiah 29:7

Today we are on the other side of the General Election. We have a new Prime Minister, a new cabinet will soon emerge, and new MPs will take their seats representing our local communities in places of power.  Those elected will all set about debating and legislating on policies that will have enormous impacts on the communities we love and serve.  Whether you are encouraged or apprehensive today, we are entering a new season. 

This is a moment of significant opportunity for you and your church to do what we Baptists do so well, build positive and purposeful relationships - in this instance with those elected as MPs in our area, whatever political party they represent.  We do this as a witness to Jesus and an expression of our heart and prayers for the flourishing of our communities.

With that in mind, I wanted to make sure that you are aware of the resources from our Union that are available to help you do this well.

Our Public Issues Enabler, the Revd Steve Tinning, in partnership with the Joint Public Issues Team, is resourcing Baptists to:

• Pray at your next worship service or prayer event (below) 
• Send a ‘welcome’ or ‘congratulations’ card to your MP from the church, assuring them of your prayers and offering your support in areas where your hopes and aspirations align. 
• Invite them to a special 'get to know our MP' service, where politics and polarising issues are put to one side for a moment as you seek to understand your MP better as an individual and lay the foundations for a positive relationship going forward. 
• Speak out – offer a prophetic voice into issues facing your community such as poverty and equality and raise awareness within your congregation and community.
• Consider finding out more about the Constituency Action Network – a new network soon to be launched by the Joint Public Issues Team, for churches who would like support taking these relationships, and their peace and justice work, to the next level. Scroll down on the link and sign up for updates, which will include information about forthcoming Zoom webinars in August and September.

Photo © Gaz de Vere (used with permission)

Finally, I have been delighted to hear about the different ways Baptist churches have encouraged and enabled engagement with the General Election over the last few weeks. I know that many churches hosted, or worked alongside ecumenical partners to host, hustings events across the country. Other churches have been encouraging voter registration, prayers have been led on the most pressing social and political issues of this moment, and many have been educating themselves and others on how political decisions affect the communities around us, especially the poorest and most marginalised. 

So, thank you. In whatever ways you have engaged, thank you. 
 
As ever, please be assured of my prayers and the continuing prayers of all those at Baptist House, as you faithfully serve and minister to your community. 

Lynn Green
General Secretary



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. 
 
As we continue to serve those in need in our communities, help us to better understand the part we can play to see the causes of the suffering we witness addressed. Empower us by your Spirit and embolden us to be good witnesses of you, using every opportunity you give us to act justly and to love mercy, while we continue to walk humbly with you. 
 
In Jesus’ name, 
 
Amen