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General Election Hustings for Thurrock Constituency and South Basildon and East Thurrock Constituency
 The General Election is likely to be taking place on Thursday 6 May. As at previous elections, Thurrock's church is being proactive by holding two hustings, one for Thurrock and the other for Basildon & East Thurrock.
For those who don't know, a hustings is when the candidates get to answer questions in front of a live audience, a bit like Question Time on the TV. The hustings has a Chairperson and each candidate will be given a limited time to express their opinions. Comments from the audience will be included.
South Basildon & East Thurrock Constituency Parliamentary & Council Hustings at St Margaret's Parish Church, Stanford-le-Hope, Tuesday 20 April
Russell Godward of Thurrock Christian Fellowship has told Transformation Thurrock that they have gone ahead and booked a hustings for Corringham & Stanford-le-Hope on Tuesday 20 April. This will take place at St Margaret’s Church SLH. His thanks go to Rev John Guest and the St Margaret's PCC for helping with this.
Russell tells Transformation Thurrock, "We have decided to go for one event to which we will invite prospective MP’s standing in the General Election, and those standing for local council election in the wards of Homesteads and Stanford East & Corringham Town. This means there will be a focus on both national and local issues."
John Peters and Judith Acreman, who are both Christians actively involved in local forums and community groups, are co-chairing the event.
The evening will probably consist of;
- Introductions – a few minutes from each candidate invited to take part on the panel of prospective MP’s and councillors
- Questions – some pre-prepared questions from Christians in the area, that panel members will have been able to research and then answer on the evening. Again focusing on both local and national issues
- Questions from the floor – opportunity for those attending to voice further questions
- Prayer for the prospective candidates, and the political process in our locality
- Refreshments – providing opportunity for mingling, further discussion, and some presentations available of material and resources from Christian groups active within politics and each of the parties represented.
The churches of East Thurrock are now formally inviting prospective MPs and Councillors to take part in this event. Russell says that he feels "... it would be very beneficial, and a powerful message, if the invitation came from us as Christian church leaders within the town."
He asks that church leaders in the East Thurrock constituency to identify the event in their church calendars and news sheets. In the next few weeks flyers and invitations will be sent out.
Russell adds, "I think this is an exciting opportunity for us to exercise Godly influence and responsibility within our community, and to help equip Christians within our churches to engage in the political process." This is endorsed by Transformation Thurrock.
Standing for the Parliamentary election in Basildon & East Thurrock are (in alphabetical order):
- Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative)
- Christopher Roberts (British National Party)
- Angela Smith (Labour) - current MP
- Kerry Smith (United Kingdom Independence Party)
- Geoff Williams (Liberal Democrat)
We will let you know in due course who will be at the hustings.
Thurrock Constituency Parliamentary Hustings, Grays Parish Church, Wednesday 21 April
Transformation Thurrock would like to thank Rev Darren Barlow for offering the use of St Peter's & St Paul's for the hustings, which will be largely along the same lines as the above. We are intending to invite (in alphabetical order):
- Clive Broad (United Kingdom Independence Party)
- Emma Colgate (British National Party)
- Carys Davis (Liberal Democrats)
- Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative)
- Carl Morris (Labour)
Owing to Andrew Mackinlay's retirement from politics, Thurrock will be returning a new MP no matter who wins. Andrew is generally considered to have represented Thurrock well since he first became our MP in 1992, and is a well respected parliamentarian of conscience and conviction. He chose not to be in government, preferring to represent his constituency and be a more effective opposition to the Labour government from the back benches. He is also a man of faith and a friend to the church of Thurrock. His will be a tough act to follow.
Grays Parish Church can hold up to 250 people seated, with standing room, so we are encouraging church ministers, leaders and others to invite their congregations and networks.
Questions...
Hustings always promise to be lively affairs and it's a great way for believers to become acquainted with local candidates and their standpoints. Here's a few questions you can ask yourself as you engage with this process:
- Is this person a career politician or a conviction politician?
- Should I vote for the person or the party?
- Should I just vote for the party I've always voted for regardless of the candidate's abilities and personal integrity?
- Does the candidate have a character and background of integrity?
- What are the candidate's personal morals in the light of Christ?
- Will this person represent our community?
- Do I sense God's hand on this person?
- Does the Lord have a greater plan for one candidate over the others?
- How do the candidates respond to questions of Christian weight?
- What does this mean for the local Christian Faith Community?
This is a crucial election for so many reasons, and it's important that the members of the church body make an informed, considered and prayerful choice and vote for God's man or woman for Thurrock.
More information will be posted here as final arrangements are confirmed.
Scriptures to help you as you prayerfully prepare for the hustings and the elections:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour... 1 Timothy 2:1-3
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Tim Harrold with Russell Godward, 29/03/2010 |
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