The acting Bishop of London is calling on churches to pray ahead of the 'strangest general election in many a long year'.

Bishop Pete Broadbent says the capital's congregations must engage by voting, holding hustings and praying as the country prepares to go the polls for the second time in two years.

'Facing perhaps one of the strangest General Elections in many a long year, it is important that the public role of the Church and our commitment to the well-being of our parish and chaplaincy communities is made clear,' he says.

Broadbent's intervention comes before the Archbishops of Canterbury and York are expected to make a more official, lengthy intervention on the general election.

Broadbent went on to ask London churches to pray for pray for all their local candidates, regardless of party loyalties.

'Please therefore include the election, your local candidates, and the future direction of the UK in your public intercessions and private praying.'

Broadbent, current Bishop of Willesden, raises concerns that because of the snap nature of the election, church hustings may be more difficult to organise.

'There is a tradition of churches and faith communities holding hustings - we are one of the very few organisations that still do this. Given the suddenness of the calling of this election, the framework locally may not be in place – please check and encourage your parishioners to attend and participate.'