A time to pray, witness and hope

Statement on the 2017 election result from the Evangelical Alliance.

Commenting on the outcome of the 2017 general election, which has resulted in a hung parliament, Dr Dave Landrum, director of advocacy for the Evangelical Alliance, said:

"This morning we are praying for all those elected to serve in the House of Commons following the general election, for those who are not returning to parliament, and for those who have campaigned in the election – not just candidates but volunteers and supporters.

"Elections are always a chance for people to remind politicians that their position is only ever temporary and we saw that last night. Our democracy is precious, but it is also messy. This election has once again shown us how divided our society is on multiple levels.

"With uncertainty over what comes next we need to come together and pray for all involved. As Theresa May seeks to form a Conservative government with the backing of the DUP this is a chance for us all to reflect once more on the kind of society we want. 

"Across the UK the election has produced shocks, from the SNP losing 21 seats in Scotland to wafer thin winning margins, and the DUP in Northern Ireland now possibly playing the role of kingmakers.

"The shocks make the future precarious, but times of crisis can also be times of opportunity, and for Christians such times are always times of responsibility. The uncertainty that the general election has brought shows us that we have four key responsibilities at this time.

"The first is to pray for peace and unity in our society. The second is for the Church to witness peace and unity to our society, sharing our faith in Jesus as the hope of the nations. The third is to cast a vision for what kind of society we would like to see – a common good in which love, truth, freedom and justice can flourish. And the fourth is for Christians to step up to the plate and get more involved in leading change in our society, because opting out is not an option."

ENDS