The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales said in a statement that honest political debate depends upon integrity.
But Archbishop of Southwark John Wilson said the church was also concerned by the Chief Rabbi raising the issue of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.
He said that, while the church did not comment on particular party-political comments, it was concerned that Ephraim Mirvis had spoken about members of his community being frightened in this country.
In a column in the Times on Tuesday, Rabbi Mirvis staged an unprecedented intervention, saying that anti-Semitism in the Labour Party is a “poison – sanctioned from the top”.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Archbishop Wilson said the Catholic Church had a long tradition of speaking out against oppression, xenophobia and racism.
He added: “We would not look at particular party-political comments but we are concerned the Chief Rabbi expressed his concerns that members of his community are frightened in this country.
“Of that we are concerned.”
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales said the forthcoming General Election is “profoundly important” to the nation and Catholics cannot simply “watch from the balcony”.
They added: “We ask everyone to engage with the election and vote.
“Honest political discourse depends upon integrity.
“We urge all in public life to recognise that telling the truth, not making…
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