CoE takes unprecedented step into politics with election letter

Church of England bishops caused a stir with an unusual and unexpected intervention in politics.

Calling on Christians to use their vote, the bishops sent out a letter calling for a "fresh moral vision" on issues like poverty and Britain's nuclear deterrent.

That angered some Conservatives, although, as ITV News Political Editor Tom Bradby reports, not David Cameron.

Church of England Bishops took the unusual step today of urging their flocks to vote in the general election. In a formal, pastoral letter they also called for a 'fresh moral vision' from party leaders.

The Prime Minister welcomed the intervention but some Conservatives have complained it leans too far to the Left.

ITV News Political Correspondent Emily Morgan reports:

The Bishop of Norwich told ITV News that the Church of England was calling for more people to be engaged in politics and encouraging ordinary people and politicians to come together "for the common good."

The Rt Revd Graham James said: "Sometimes our political culture and the name calling within it doesn't actually do politicians themselves much good. What we're calling for is for all of us to engage in a politics that actually has a vision that is for the common good."

• Background: C of E takes unprecedented step into political arena

The Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens has said that the Church of England's letter is meant to encourage politicians to "take their vocations seriously."

Responding to comment from David Cameron he told ITV News: "There are many things that have gone well, we acknowledge that unemployment has come down but we also notice that inequalities between the wealthy and the poor remain unhappily wide."

Mr Cameron has urged the Church to recognise improvements his Government had made, outlining efforts to create jobs, cut taxes and develop the economy.

• Watch: PM 'keen for anyone to intervene in politics'

David Cameron has welcomed a letter from Church of England leaders ahead of the general election.

The Prime Minister said he was "always keen for anyone to intervene in politics", adding: "I think it's good - we want to have a political debate in our country."

Mr Cameron also urged the Church to recognise the improvements his Government had made, outlining efforts to create jobs, cut taxes and develop the economy.

"I would say to the bishops, I hope they would welcome that because work does bring dignity, does bring self-reliance, it does enable people to provide for their families, it creates a stronger society as well as a stronger economy."