High voter turnout and respectful debate are among the priorities the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have emphasised as the country heads to the polls on Thursday.

Most Rev Justin Welby took to social media platform X to encourage “courteous and kind debate” and to urge people not to use “personalised abuse.” He also encouraged people to “carefully consider issues and the common good, and above all, vote.”

Meanwhile, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell highlighted the importance of voter turnout and democracy. He said: “Decisions are made by those who show up. Democracy requires our participation. So, set your alarm, remind your friends and family. But, most of all, turn up. Have your say on Thursday.”

Both archbishops also urged people to pray for all candidates. They joined other church leaders who released special messages on Sunday, including the Acting Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev Jackie Searle.

She said: “Approaching the election, we need to consider what is means to love your neighbour as yourself? To ask, not just how does this benefit me, but how does this benefit others in society? This election is an opportunity to put yourself in somebody else's shoes.

“So, my prayer this week would be for kindness, for goodwill, for people to come together, to use the vote that we have been given. My prayer would be that decisions would be made that would be for the good of all and our communal life together.”

Last month, the Church of England launched a campaign known as #PrayYourPart to promote prayer and participation in the life of our nation and communities, both as voters and as citizens. A series of daily thematic reflections written by bishops, drawn from the Bible and exploring major themes, was published covering the final three weeks up to polling day.