The Mothers' Union is calling on its thousands of members up and down the country to pray that the families of election candidates "will not be affected by criticism or physical threats".

The organisation, which has 140 years experience of working with families, says in its pre-election advice that people should also "thank God" that anyone is actually willing to stand for public office. "Pray for energy and stamina for the candidates as they campaign," the union adds.

It urges people to take seriously their involvement in the coming general election, and even consider organising hustings.

Other things they should pray for include "positive not negative campaigning" and "true and honest manifestos" as well as mutual respect between the parties.

The union is also calling for an increase in paternity leave and for new policies to prevent violence against women and girls.

And it urges prayers for the winners as well as the losers.

"Pray for the candidates who will ultimately be successful. Pray that they will serve with energy, enthusiasm and eagerness to represent their constituents," the advice says. "Pray for peace for the candidates who will not be successful, particularly in the days after the result is announced."

The Anglican and Catholic churches have already published their election documents. The Methodist Church's is the least "political" of the three.