Hundreds of parliamentary candidates are set to be quizzed about their stances on moral issues in a series of hustings being held by churches across the country.
More than 170 churches have signed up to hold hustings, meaning that over a quarter of constituencies will now be involved.
Attendees are likely to question the candidates on topics such as marriage, abortion, assisted suicide and faith schools.
The meetings are being organised by Christian Action Research and Education (CARE).
Politics
Nola Leach, chief executive of CARE, said: “In the context of widespread voter apathy and public disillusionment with politics, these hustings demonstrate the dynamic and important role that the Church is playing in helping people engage in the political process.”
Her comments were echoed by Dan Boucher, CARE’s Director of Parliamentary Affairs, who said: “We have never before had so many church hustings register with us and with just a week of the campaign gone we expect more hustings to be announced in the coming days.
“It’s great to see the Church facilitating such a crucial process in the public square.”
Conflict
One of the hustings is being held in the constituency of Equalities Minister Harriet Harman who spearheaded the controversial and far-reaching Equality Bill through parliament.
A further 14 hustings are being organised by campaign group Christian Concern for our Nation (CCFON).
Interfere
Last month the deputy leader of the British National Party called on the church to stop interfering in the electoral process.
During a tense interview with the BBC’s Politics Show (North East and Cumbria edition) Simon Darby said: “Well, there’s an issue here that the church consistently, every time there is an election, interferes in the electoral process.
“Perhaps if the church took the attitude that they’ve got a problem with falling congregations and the fact that churches are being rapidly turned into mosques all over this country, people would, would listen to them.”