The statement, which has also been sent as a letter to Church of England parishes, appeals to those involved in the election to express facts and opinions with “humility and love”, saying: “People who hold different political views are not our enemies. Two people can look at the same facts and in good faith interpret them very differently. “
Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, and Most Rev Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury appear in the film together and present a challenge for people to be aware of the effects of their words.
They also appeal to the prospective parliamentary candidates: “We call on all standing for election to reject the language of prejudice and not to stoke stigma or hatred towards people on the grounds of their religion, their culture, their origin, their identity or their belief. Several groups, especially in Jewish and Muslim communities, feel threatened and are in much anxiety.”
The Labour Party has been criticised for its poor record with removing anti-Semitism from the party, as has Boris Johnson for his comments about Muslim women.
The two most senior clergy in the Church of England continue: “No individual or community in our shared society should have reason to lack confidence in their belonging or security, so parties must make it an absolute priority to offer positive reassurance and avoid anything that increases the…
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