In the second of our special series, this is the message to Gordon Brown from the Bishop of Birmingham the Rt Rev David Urquhart.

Dear Gordon, Congratulations on becoming Prime Minister. You will be constantly in my prayers.

As advocates of social justice we are aware of those struggling individuals and families, living in poverty and without prospects of employment and training. The aim of working with young people from birth, and targeting support to the most disadvantaged individuals and families must be both applauded and developed.

I hope the Church, which has a presence in every community in the land, might help you implement this. Alongside supporting individual households, I look forward to creating together neighbourhoods with newly established values. Places that are not only safe and clean but also settings where people can flourish with a spirit of generosity.

Education must be a key part of the strategy to create citizens who can participate fully in 21st Century Britain. We need to ensure that all our young people are helped to realise their potential and begin a lifetime of learning that enriches both them and their communities. We believe Church schools have a key role to play in education and we look forward to your continued commitment to them.

While there are areas in need of fresh initiatives we must remember that our constitution, a model for democracy worldwide, is the foundation of our political life. The Christian roots of our national way of life are still essential and life-giving. Let us make sure we preserve our fine balance of civil liberties, justice and efficient law-making and not make changes for mere short term gain.

These policies that focus on the life of our nation must be worked out in a global context. I am sure you will acknowledge our responsibility to take a lead in working out how to encourage sustainable development. Fulfilling the Millennium Goals and building on the insights of the Commission on Africa will be a vital test of this government. Our continued prosperity will depend on far-seeing stewardship. At the same time our foreign policies are crucial as we seek to learn to live together. While I greatly admire our first class armed forces I trust that they will end their engagement in Iraq in the very near future.

Once again, be assured of our best wishes as you take on the leadership of the Labour party, the Government and the nation. We look forward to showing you some of the enterprising ways in which church, faiths, voluntary organisations, business, education, local politicians and Government are working together in the Greater Birmingham region.

David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham

>> Dear Gordon, part one