Resources to prepare for General Election

Image: CAFOD

The following resources are designed to be useful to Christians preparing for the General Election on 4 July. They are not party political but aim to prompt engagement with the election process, highlighting issues of importance to the Churches.

Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales

"Information and guidance on key issues of importance to us, as Catholics, to help inform how we vote."

www.cbcew.org.uk/election24/

CAFOD/SVP

"We must make 2024 a 'Year of Encounter' where we use the general election as a special opportunity to speak with those running for election about the key issues that matter to us as people of faith."

https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/campaign-with-us/a-year-of-encounter-call-for-action-with-your-parish-at-the-general-election

Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team

Vocation for Justice Newsletter Summer 2024: Preparing for the Election

There are articles, and materials for discernment, engaging with candidates and manifestos, and, ultimately, playing our part in encouraging candidates to be disturbed by injustice and ready to respond lovingly for the common good. There are outline ideas for organising hustings.

Downloadable, but extra newsletter hard copies can be sent out for distributing in parishes and bringing to meetings.

https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/14136/columban-vocation-for-justice-newsletter-preparing-for-the-election/

Joint Public Issues Team

They say: "We believe that Christians have an important role to play in elections: to love, to pray, and to vote. From registration and voter ID, issues briefings, how to engage with the election as a church, holding a hustings in your neighbourhood and even more! Find all of our General Election resources here: http://jpit.uk/elections

Green Christian/Operation Noah election pack

https://greenchristian.org.uk/general-election-pack-for-churches/

And here is the link to download the pack itself (the link to the CAN Bill zoom session will be replaced by a link to the recording shortly)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rm9h9snEbuCGA7Jwyx0YXQww7Ia1ucq5/view?pli=1

Asylum Matters has developed 'Building a compassionate refugee ' protection system' a two-page document setting out key principles and policy asks for parliamentary candidates.

https://asylummatters.org/2024/03/19/new-general-election-resources-calling-on-candidates-to-defend-the-right-to-seek-safety/

The Centre for Catholic Social Thought and Practice has compiled an easy-to-use webpage where you can find links to resources to help parishes and individuals to engage with the general election. The site includes a directory of speakers. Also, short videos introducing the Catholic Social Teaching.

https://ccstp.org.uk/general-election tp.org.uk/general-election or tp.org.uk/general-election

JustMoney says the General Election is an important time to champion a range of voices calling out for a fairer tax system, with more taxes on wealth. See: https://justmoney.org.uk/speak-out/good-measure-campaign/

Christians in Politics video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf-QD-2s9S4