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Christians encouraged to disagree 'well' in general election

A new guide being offered to churches ahead of June's general election is also encouraging believers to overcome voter fatigue and engage with the "the systems and structures that hold us together".

It says: "The tone of some political debates and headlines recently has been unpleasant and divisive, a trend which may continue as the various parties compete for our attention and support.

"As we think about our prophetic role as God's people, we might also consider what the impact is on wider society as we become accustomed to slurs, insults and accusations."

'Reflections on the General Elections' has been produced by the Church of Scotland, the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church.

It continues: "One of the key principles that we, as churches working together through the Joint Public Issues Team, have sought to embrace is to challenge narratives, assumptions and policies that seek to stigmatise and misrepresent others."

The resource encourages believers against pursuing self-interest or ignoring the voices which "are being drowned out" but to focus on the "common good".

The guide goes on to say: "During this election campaign, as a Christian people, what role do we have in challenging exaggeration, distortion and half-truth on the part of politicians and key media outlets?

"How do we guard ourselves and others against the harmful impact of such narratives and claims?"

Predicting that Brexit is likely is "likely to be the dominant issue" of the campaign, it also urged believers to consider the long-term consequences of their vote.

Published ahead of the first weekend of election campaigning, and speeches by both the Conservative and Labour leaders on Saturday, it adds: "Once the election is over, the task of government will begin.

"Whatever mandates our politicians might believe themselves to have, as a people of God we also have a responsibility to seek what is good, to speak out for what is right and to challenge what we recognise as harmful and unjust."

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