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CoE takes unprecedented step into politics with election letter

The Church of England has taken an unprecedented step into the political arena, encouraging politicians to offer a "fresh moral vision" for Britain.

In the Pastoral letter, the first of its kind delivered ahead of a general election, the House of Bishops gave Church leaders guidance on advising congregations on issues such as welfare and the economy ahead of the May 7 vote.

David Cameron welcomed the move, saying he was "keen for anyone to intervene in politics".

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Bishop: We should engage in politics for the common good

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."

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