European Elections - June 2009

A Statement from the East of England Regional Church Leaders:

The Bishops of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church

The Leaders of the Free Churches

On 4^th June, the people of the East of England will choose our representatives in the European Parliament. The regional voting system means that every vote counts. As Church Leaders in the region, we encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote and to do so with the wellbeing of all people in our communities in mind

The East of England has a notable history of welcoming people fleeing from elsewhere in Europe, sometimes on religious grounds. As Christian Leaders in this generation, we believe that hospitality and living together with mutual respect remain the foundation of a civilised society. All human beings are created equally in the image of God. That is why racism is a sin. Christ calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves and in this forthcoming election we believe it is right to be vigilant about any party or individual candidate seeking to use people’s fears for their own wellbeing to stir racial or religious hatred

At a time when many people are anxious about their jobs, finances, and future, we pray that the best and most generous traditions of our national life will guide all voters on June 4^th

Bishop Michael

Canon Michael Evans

Bishop of East Anglia (RC)