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Electoral Commission
UK News

Churches "heart of election debate"

by Hannah Tooley

More than 325 hustings from all across the UK have been listed, an increase on the 293 that registered in 2010.

CARE says it shows churches are getting increasingly involved and providing voters with a forum where candidates can be scrutinised and where the tough questions can be answered.

It stressed that the church provides an environment where Christians can ask questions related to their faith publicly and get answers.

CARE's list is thought to be the single largest source of confirmed hustings across the country.

James Mildred told Premier's News Hour: "We often hear about voter apathy... we hear about the fact the church is switching off from politics, has lost its desire to be involved in politics.

"But we think these figures paint a different story altogether - a very positive story, that local churches up and down this country are becoming the very heart of election debate in their communities - and that's a great thing.

"The 325 we have listed at the moment - we're anticipating a few more as well... so the number could even be higher."

CARE CEO Nola Leach added: "The church is playing a huge and vital role in this election campaign and with such a tight contest, we believe the Christian vote matters more than ever.

"Despite all the apathy and indifference we are constantly hearing about, the church is providing a place for debate, engagement and political involvement.

"As far as we are aware, this is the largest single source of known hustings across the United Kingdom and it's fantastic to see the church facilitating debate and political interaction.

"In 2010, the Electoral Commission commended CARE for the number of church based hustings registered on our previous election website and it is widely recognised that local churches husting events help bring the political debate right into the heart of local communities.

"Hustings are a fantastic opportunity for voters to hear candidates explain their policies and it's hugely welcome that more churches than ever before are prepared to get involved and provide a means for voters to question and listen as candidates set out their stalls."

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to CARE's James Mildred here:

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