Evangelical Alliance UK Urges Continued Dialogue in Post-Election Period

One week after General Election 2005, the British public is ready to receive Tony Blair's Labour Party government. The party has pledged many policies over key social issues to gain favour with the general public and Christians. The Evangelical Alliance today urged Christians not to cease the dialogue with the new Government in the post-election period, and to make sure the voice of the communities are heard.

The Head of Public Affairs of the Evangelical Alliance UK, Don Horrocks said, "Christians should consider writing to their new MP to congratulate him/her and in doing so they could highlight what they consider to be key issues in the coming Parliament."

"Alternatively, church leaders could invite their new MP to meet with representatives from local churches at a suitable community event. What is most important, however, is that Christians maintain an ongoing dialogue and relationship with their MP."

The key social issues highlighted in the General Election include the controversial gambling Bill, incitement to religious hatred Bill, amendment to the abortion law, the pro-euthanasia assisted-dying Bill, anti-poverty policy, trade justice among others.

Prior to the General Election, many Christian campaigners launched massive lobbying across the country to persuade the political leaders to make policy with reference to a Christian worldview.

On 15th-16th April, 25,000 citizens gathered near the British Parliament for an overnight candlelit vigil as a wake-up call for all political leaders, asking them to take immediate action against world poverty. They urged the government to make poverty history in 2005 by reinforcing world trade justice, increasing international aid and relieving the debt of third world countries.

Hundreds of supporters of the leading pro-life group the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) staged a silent protest on 23rd April at more than 50 locations throughout Britain and Northern Ireland. They protested against the existing abortion law which has led to a slippery slope over ethics. They say that more than six million unborn children have been killed through easily available legal abortion rules in Britain since 1968.

In addition, EAUK’s Dr Horrocks has led the Alliance’s response to Government legislation including the gambling Bill and incitement to religious hatred proposals.

Dr Horrocks said, "Christians are agents for hope and change and we should be continually considering how we might impact our culture in a positive way."

"... whatever our priorities - whether it is world poverty, local issues, the environment, religious liberty, health, asylum, etc, we need to continue to take part in the political and cultural process. Christians need to take responsibility in helping to shape the kind of society we wish to live in - and that means being political."

Dr Horrocks suggested, "For starters, Christians could consider getting involved with the Make Poverty History campaign. It is also important that Christians call on the new Government to consult widely and fully, especially on the more controversial upcoming legislation, such as the incitement to religious hatred proposals and the new Equality Bill. The proposals will be back on the table for discussion in the coming session of Parliament."

He also encouraged that Christians pray for both the Labour and Conservative parties as they engage in discussions about changes in leadership.