A SERIES of talks looking at issues affecting voters is to start at All Saints Parish Church this Sunday (March 1).

The Church of England's bishops have encouraged their churches to engage with the political process as the country heads towards an election. Churches in the area have come together to put on a series of talks entitled 'Living the Good Life', looking on the five issues identified by a recent poll to be the ones that most concern people — the National Health Service, the cost of living, immigration, raising a family and education.

The talks and discussion will follow a short evening service at All Saints, starting at 6.30 pm. 

The Rector of Okehampton, the Rev Stephen Cook, said: 'We are not in the business of telling people how they should vote. We will simply be looking at these crucial areas and asking what a Christian perspective might be.

'The church has always been involved in politics in its broadest sense.

'The earliest schools and hospitals, for example, were church foundations. This next election will determine who is in charge of our country in what may well prove to be a very significant and difficult few years.

'These talks are not just for church-goers, they are for anyone who wants to think through the issues before they vote.'

There will be a short gap between the end of the service and the start of the talks, which will start at about 7.15pm so that people can come to one or the other, or both.

They begin this Sunday, March 1 with some thoughts about the National Health Service.

Topics to be discussed include our expectations for the health service, its principles and what insights faith can offer on health and wellbeing. Everyone is welcome.