Norfolk churches to host election hustings
 Churchgoers across Norfolk are inviting local politicians to hustings in churches in order to to help them to decide which way to vote.
The Archdeacon of Norwich, the Ven Jan McFarlane (right) is to chair hustings for the Norwich North Constituency at Norwich Central Baptist Church (Duke Street) on Thursday April 15 at 7.30pm and for the Norwich South Constituency at Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Street, Norwich on Wednesday April 28 at 7.30pm.
The hustings, which have both been organised by Transforming Norwich, are open to everyone to attend, but it is hoped that they will provide an opportunity for Christians to ask local candidates questions which are important to people of faith.
Candidates who have so far confirmed their attendance include Chloe Smith, David Stephens, John Cook and Jessica Goldfinch (Norwich North) and Charles Clarke, Simon Wright and Adrian Ramsey (Norwich South).
 Tony Mallion, former BBC Radio Norfolk presenter, will be chairing hustings for the Great Yarmouth area at the Pavilion Theatre at Great Yarmouth on Tuesday April 20 and for South Norfolk at Hempnall Church on Monday April 26 at 7.30pm. A hustings for the candidates standing in the South West Norfolk constituency will be held in Downham Market Methodist Church, on Paradise Road, at 7.30pm on Sunday April 25. Entry will be from 7pm, and anyone wishing to put a question will need to post it in the box provided before 7.15pm. (Questions will then be vetted and placed in a running order.)
The hustings is being organised by Downham Market and District Churches Together, but everyone will be most welcome to attend. So far the following candidates have confirmed attendance: Stephen Gordon, Liberal Democrat; Kay Hipsey, UKIP; Peter Smith, Labour; Elizabeth Truss, Conservative.
The Ven Jan McFarlane said: "Christians take seriously their responsibility to vote and the candidates have recognised that they are a significant section of the electorate. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to ask the candidates searching questions about the way in which they hope to influence our local community in the coming months and years."
The Church of England has published a number of prayers which people ca use in the run-up to the General Election as they consider which way to vote. They can be found on the Church of England website at www.cofe.anglican.org/generalelection | 