IN response to Peter Rickaby’s recent letter questioning senior Bishops’ comments on matters of government/politics, it’s important for Christians to exert influence. After all, topics affecting laws, government and politics are part of the teaching of God’s word.

In our so-called economic growth, why are we seeing a 300 per cent growth in the use of food banks?

Loneliness is the third biggest killer behind cancer and heart disease, a growth in homelessness, a hospital in which one in ten hospital admissions are alcohol-related, many workers receiving a minimum wage and many companies offering zero contract hours.

The rich are 64 per cent richer and the poor are 57 per cent poorer, as revealed by the Social Market Foundation (SMF), which analysed the changing incomes and savings of thousands of people, making us a more fractured country.

Poor families have struggled to make ends meet, their incomes eroded by low pay rises, above- inflation rent increases and the benefit squeeze.

As the Archbishops of Canterbury and York suggest, Christians do need to get involved in politics to address these problems in an ethical way.

William Wilberforce wanted to become a priest but also had a passion for politics. If he hadn’t made a trip to London, he would not have met a lady who said by the grace of God – do both.

Then history would not have unfolded and the abolition of slavery would not have taken place.

Julie Burton, Park Lane, Bishop Wilton, York.