THE Archbishop of York is urging Christians to put aside “apathy and cynicism” and play an active part in the general election.

John Sentamu has joined the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in writing to parishes, urging them to take inspiration from Christian values of “love, trust and hope”.

The letter encourages voters to remember Britain’s Christian history and think about future generations and God’s creation as they decide how to cast their vote.

“This election is being contested against the backdrop of deep and profound questions of identity,” the letter says. “Opportunities to renew and reimagine our shared values as a country and a United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland only come around every few generations. We are in such a time.

“Our Christian heritage, our current choices and our obligations to future generations and to God’s world will all play a shaping role.”

The country needs cohesion, courage and stability, they add, and a reconciliation after the division of recent years.

The Archbishops also highlight major concerns over poverty, housing and the dangers of “crushing” debt. They call for a generous and hospitable welcome to refugees and migrants but also warn against being “deaf to the legitimate concerns” about the scale of migration into some communities.

The Archbishops also single out the importance of standing up for those persecuted because of their faith, and argue faith has a unique role to play in preventing extremism and religiously motivated violence.

“Parishes and Chaplaincies of the Church of England serve people of all faiths and none.” They add that “their contribution and that of other denominations and faiths to the well-being of the nation is immense”.