Faith leaders in Bradford today called on people to act responsibly and consider community harmony when they vote in June's Council elections.
The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James; Sher Azam from the Muslim community; Mohinder Singh Chana from the Sikh community and R Paul Johar from the Hindu community broke new ground by bringing politics into their New Year message.
Their strong call to people to consider harmony between cultures comes as the run-up begins to the first all-out Council elections for more than 20 years and the separate elections for the European Parliament - both expected to be on June 10.
The joint message calls for "our fellow Bradfordians to exercise that citizenship by voting responsibly in June in ways that will enhance the peace of our district and the common good of all our citizens".
All 90 seats on Britain's fourth biggest metropolitan authority will become vacant as a result of changes to the 30 wards in a review by the Boundaries Commission.
More than 300 candidates - including the majority of sitting councillors - are expected to contest the seats.
Today, the Reverend Geoff Reid, team leader and city centre worker for the Methodist Touchstone Centre said: "The appeal is for people to use their votes in ways which will contribute to cohesion and not in ways which would set one culture against another."
The call for people to use their votes wisely was echoed by senior members of all Bradford Council's main political groups today.
Deputy Council leader Councillor Simon Cooke said: "We believe people should use their votes in a way which lead to a better future in Bradford for everyone."
Labour group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "I strongly endorse this very important message. The election in June is highly significant and is key to the future of this district. There are many challenges facing us which need to be addressed by people of goodwill."
Councillor Ann Ozolins, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "At the moment we are looking at how far we have come down the line of community cohesion.
"If people use their votes sensibly it will guarantee we work together as a district. It is vitally important."
And Green group leader Councillor Martin Love (Shipley West) said: "We echo their sentiments and hope people will get out and use their democratic right to vote."
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