THE Bishop of Blackburn has warned fellow clerics not to openly back political parties in the next General Election.

The Rt Rev Alan Chesters spoke out after a survey suggested that more bishops were swinging to Labour. Out of 50 bishops interviewed, 17 said they believed modern Conservatism was incompatible with Christianity, a further 16 disagreed, and 17 had not made up their minds.

Bishop Chesters said: "It's a very long time since the Church of England has been the 'Tory party at prayer'.

"The Church of England is made up of many different political opinions, as is any other diverse organisation.

"It's for religious leaders to raise issues but not to back political parties.

"I'm not saying they should stay out of politics because they are bound to raise issues and one of our tasks is to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.

"But I don't think we should be telling people to back one party over another.

"I think the Government has made mistakes in creating too competitive a society, but it's not for me to say people should or should not vote for a particular party."

Bishop Chesters, as a member of the House of Lords, is not eligible to vote in an election.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.