Don’t ‘exploit’ the faith of political opponents, say Archbishops

May 6, 2017 by Jill

by Olivia Rudgard, Telegraph:

The Church of England has called on parliamentary candidates not to “exploit the faith” of their opponents during the General Election.

In a joint letter the Archbishops of Canterbury and York told Church of England members that “the religious faith of any election candidate should not be treated by opponents as a vulnerability to be exploited”.

The letter said: “We look forward to a media and political climate where all candidates can feel confident that they can be open about the impact of their faith on their vocation to public service.”

Last month Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, who is an evangelical Christian, was questioned on his views about homosexuality on Channel 4 News, and refused to clarify his position on whether gay sex was a sin.

Last week he told the BBC: “I don’t believe gay sex is a sin.

“I take the view that as a political leader though my job is not to pontificate on theological matters.”

Read here

Read pastoral letter here