The candidates for Mayor of London attempted to woo the Christian vote in hustings at one of the capital’s most famous churches last night.

Candidates quoted and misquoted the words of Jesus Christ and praised the work of Christian charities in an effort to convert the congregation of voters at St Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Boris Johnson raised a laugh when he used some of Christ’s most famous words during the proceedings. “There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repenteth,” he said impressively, only to stumble at the finish “than um, whatever it is”.

Ken Livingstone, who is hoping to be re-elected on May 1 to serve a third term as London’s Mayor, said Christians should line up behind him to counter the BNP vote that was “lining up behind Boris”.

Mr Livingstone said providing places of worship in the city would be a priority of his term in office. “People’s faith needs are every bit as important as their housing needs and as their work needs,” he said. “I can think of nothing better than to bring law abiding Christians into the community,” he added. The other candidates agreed that places of worship were integral to people's faith and promised to provide adequate facilities for faith groups to meet.

Brian Paddick, the openly gay former police commander who is standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate, used the words of Christ to explain why Christians should vote for him. “As Christians we are in the world but not part of the world,” he said and promised he would be a “strong voice for Christ” in the Liberal Democrats.

Of six minority candidates standing in the elections Alan Craig, for the Christian Choice party, was the only one invited to join the hustings organised by conservative Christian organisation Evangelical Alliance and Christian radio station Premier.

Candidates were also quizzed about their policies on housing, the 2012 Olympics, transport, the environment and the plight of the London’s homeless during the event.