Keir Starmer says he has seen first-hand the work of Christians during the pandemic and described churches as "a source of great inspiration for all of us".
Writing in the Labour Party's 'Churches Update' he says the Christian values of "generosity, kindness and hope … have shone through these past two years."
"At a time when people need solace and support, churches have been a beacon for this country."
The Labour leader singles out the scaling up of foodbanks and the willingness of churches to offer their buildings to be used as vaccination centres.
"You have gone the extra mile to support isolated neighbours, you have pastored your communities and you have helped a traumatised nation to grieve."
Keir Starmer argues that the pandemic has "brutally exposed … inequalities and injustices" and says he wants the "Christian community (to) be at the heart of the recovery".
The Labour leader highlights the climate emergency and working to end global poverty as areas where he believes churches have a key role to play.
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Article by Glyn Jones
Glyn Jones is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
