wfn.org | UCCanada - Church Publishes Federal Election Kit

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 3, 2004

ELECTION KIT CONNECTS FAITH WITH PUBLIC POLICY CONCERNS

Toronto:   As Canadians prepare to go to the polls once again, members
and adherents of The United Church of Canada are being encouraged to use
the denomination's Federal Election Kit to, "prayerfully reflect and
focus public attention on important issues that build sustainable
communities and serve the common good".

The 19-page kit, which is posted on the United Church's website
(www.united-church.ca), includes advice on attending an all candidates
meeting, writing a letter to the editor and framing questions for MP's
and candidates on a wide range of public policy concerns, including
agriculture, education, foreign policy, housing, and health care.

"Our non-partisan strategy is intended to keep issues of justice, peace
and creation in front of political candidates and on the federal
agenda," explains Richard Chambers, Associate Executive Minister of the
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit.	He adds that the kit
uses information based on policy of The United Church of Canada.

Chambers explains that the United Church has been active in the public
arena and elections since its earliest days. "This practice has a great
deal to do with the belief that ours is a living faith that is a witness
to the ministry of Jesus Christ and is expressed in active and
thoughtful involvement in society."

The United Church is Canada's largest Protestant denomination, with
close to 3 million Canadians who, when asked by Statistics Canada in
2001, identified their religion as United Church.

For further information, please contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
Communications Officer
The United Church of Canada
416-231-7680 ext. 2016	(business)

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