CARE encourages Christians to engage in devolved elections

The MakeTheCrossCount2011 site features prominent Christians and church leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sharing what they would like to see in the party manifestos when they are published.

A ‘My Manifesto’ section will be introduced in the coming weeks to look at some of the most topical issues in each nation, such as the provision of counselling to women considering an abortion in Scotland and funding of the Christian voluntary sector in Wales.

Information is provided for churches looking to organise their own ‘Question Time’ or hustings events with local candidates in the run-up to the elections. A hustings locator on the site will point visitors to their nearest church hustings.

CARE will provide reflections on the key election issues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, together with suggested questions to put to candidates.

The social policy charity is urging Christians to get involved with the elections in light of the considerable transfer of powers to Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and Stormont since 2007.

Responsibility for justice and policing has been restored to Northern Ireland, while the Yes vote in the Welsh referendum this month gives the Assembly direct law-making powers in 20 devolved areas, including education and health. The Scotland Bill passing through Westminster is set to further boost the Scottish Parliament’s powers.

CARE’s head of public affairs, Nola Leach, said: “We are delighted to be releasing MakeTheCrossCount2011. We believe that it will be an invaluable resource helping Christians to engage with their citizenship responsibilities, mindful of the fact that this is becoming increasingly important in the devolved context as more powers are moved to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly.”

CARE for Scotland manager, Bill Baird, urged Christians to be actively involved in the election process.

He said: “The Christian community in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has 47 days to prepare for the vitally important devolved elections.

“We would ask Christians not to be passive but to rise to the challenge of reading up on the issues, organising hustings, questioning candidates – leaving them in no doubt about the importance of the Christian constituency – and prayerfully casting their vote. Let’s make a real Christian difference this election time.”

Online:
Access CARE’s new website can be accessed at www.makethecrosscount2011.net
Follow CARE’s election updates on Twitter @careorguk and @MyManifesto2011