Pre-Election Pledge

Students and staff from St Teilo's have been invited to represent the voices of children and young people in the signing of a pre-election interfaith pledge.

Led by the Archbishop of Wales, and hosted by the Muslim Council for Wales, faith leaders committed to continued prayerful cooperation. Representatives from political parties were present, and encouraged to act in the same spirit of goodwill and neighbourliness.

One student said, "We are young people living in a broken world at a time of uncertainty. We hear leaders talk about fighting and about fear. We see leaders who do not trust people who are different. This makes us feel disempowered and worried. When the world is fragmented and disorderly, young people feel it first – in our homes, our schools, our communities and in our digital lives. Young people desire peace so that we might grow up in hope.

I believe that all people are fearfully and wonderfully made. To love my neighbour is to love all people, irrespective of belief, place of birth or any other difference. We may come from families who pray in different ways, or speak in different languages, or love in different ways, but we share the same dreams and seek the same flourishing. We ask leaders to choose peaceful cooperation because, when neighbours choose peace, children and young people thrive."

And another, "We speak as children who want a kinder tomorrow. We seek to live in a world built of bridges, not walls. Without peace, we carry worries that our not meant for young hearts and minds. With peace, we learn to listen, to forgive, and to love.

I am called to be a peacemaker. To welcome the stranger, and to pursue social justice and reconciliation. When the world chooses understanding over fear, young people learn that difference is not dangerous. I am committed to recognising, celebrating and respecting difference. I believe that a peaceful world begins when neighbours talk together, work together, listen to one another, and pray together – so that all children and young people, everywhere, can grow up safe, hopeful, and free."

The students and Headteacher added their signatures to the pre-election pledge.

The pledge

"As Wales heads into a new political chapter, and the world faces and uncertain future resulting from the effects of war, climate change, and social upheaval, we the undersigned commit to working for a Wales built on the ideals of peaceful co-existence, neighbourliness, and freedom of worship.

We pray and long for a nation where all may flourish and none need fear; a nation built on the foundational principles of human dignity, and the right to share equitably in the commonwealth irrespective of religious affiliation, gender, ethnicity, and economic status.

As people of faith, we commit to working in partnership with others of goodwill in government, civil society, and at the local community level to help realise such ideals in the recognition that the health of a nation is dependent on both institutions and grassroots initiatives and relationships.

Finally, we express solidarity and friendship with one another, recognising that we hold profound differences of conviction, yet remain united through the ideals of compassion, love, and service. Where we disagree, we commit to doing so with generosity and respect. We call on others in Wales to join us in these commitments and especially those seeking election to the Senedd.

We commit to holding the nation and all elected representatives and leaders in our prayers."