Archbishop of York urges Christians to vote

The Archbishop of York has said Christians need to be involved in politics and that it would be "absurd" to suggest that there are some areas of God's world that are out of bounds.

Dr John Sentamu wrote in The Mail on Sunday: "Faith centred on Jesus Christ insists that concern for others' wellbeing means political involvement (that is the deliberation and participation in how we are to be governed).

"When they pillory bishops and others for daring to invade the territory hitherto regarded as their private preserve, they are suggesting there are some areas of God's world that are out of bounds to Him. That is as absurd as it sounds.

"There are followers of Jesus Christ in all the main political parties in the UK. It is not for me to tell their fellow church members how to vote next month, but I will encourage them to use their vote."

The Archbishop also said that Christians are not excused suffering, and in many parts of the world are at greater risk because of their faith.