The Church of England yesterday published a prayer for the General Election that called on its congregations to vote for ‘ policies that sustain the poor ’ . In a move likely to plunge its relations with Tory leaders to a new low , the Church issued an election prayer that urged its followers to pray to ‘ help us turn our backs on self-interest ’ . In the wake of controversial election advice put out by CofE bishops earlier this year that urged support for the European Union , the prayer also asked churchgoers to ‘ work for unity and co-operation throughout the world ’ .the Church issued an election prayer that urged its followers to pray to ‘ help us turn our backs on self-interest ’ . The Church issued an election prayer that urged its followers to pray to ‘ help us turn our backs on self-interest ’ It was published in a ‘ study guide ’ to the ‘ pastoral letter ’ on the election produced by bishops in February . The letter was taken by Tories as a campaign against the market economy , consumerism and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher . The new study guide from the Church ’ s Mission and Public Affairs Division underlined the call for consideration of ‘ relationships among the nations of Europe who share a long history moulded by the Christian faith ’ . It repeated demands for ‘ a fresh debate ’ on nuclear weapons , and said those who care about tackling debt should also care ‘ about the burdens borne by the most vulnerable in society ’ . Two prayers were offered : in one worshippers were asked to pray to ‘ help us turn our backs on self-interest and to support policies that sustain the poor , the vulnerable and the frightened people of this world ’ . A second prayer calls for protection ‘ from the sins of despair and cynicism ’ and ‘ the idols of false utopias ’ . A source close to Mr Duncan Smith said : ‘ It is truly bizarre that they are praying to sustain people in poverty . Surely the aim should be to support people to lift themselves out of poverty ? Which is exactly what we have been doing through our welfare reforms : giving everyone who is able to work the skills and the opportunities to do so. ’ Sir Gerald Howarth , a former Tory defence minister , said : ‘ The Church of England needs to be very clear that it is not endorsing the Labour Party , whose language this slightly mirrors. ’ Sir Gerald Howarth , a former Tory defence minister , said : ‘ The Church of England needs to be very clear that it is not endorsing the Labour Party , whose language this slightly mirrors ’
the Labour Party published a prayer for the General Election yesterday . Called on its congregation to vote for 'policies that sustain poor ' Urged followers to pray to help turn their backs on 'self interest '