Christians across the Oxford Diocese will host hustings in the run-up to the General Election, according to the Bishop of Oxford.

In a surprise announcement today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a General Election on July 4. The Tories are trailing Labour in the polls.

A hustings is a meeting where election candidates or parties debate policies and answer questions from the audience, and are often held in churches or community centres.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire reacts to Rishi Sunak's announcement

When all candidates or parties standing are invited, a hustings does not promote any particular candidate or party because they all have the opportunity to speak and be questioned.

Oxford Mail: Prime Minister Rishi SunakThe Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft, said: "The Church is called to pray for the wellbeing of our nation and society as we approach the crossroads of a general election. The world and our nation face deep and serious challenges.

"We should pray for integrity and grace in every aspect of the campaign. I call on all Christians across the Diocese of Oxford to set aside time each day to pray for our nation.

“I know that every church across the Diocese of Oxford will pray for the election each time Christians meet together.

"Everyone is welcome to join us. Christians across the Diocese will be hosting hustings in every constituency.

"These familiar lines from the Lord’s Prayer will guide us in our intercessions and our actions, as Jesus prayed: your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.”

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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