Church Leaders Criticise Racist Politics in run-up to June 10th Elections

In Devon, church leaders have entered into the field of politics and have condemned racist political ideals. Christians of all denominations have been called on to vote against racist candidates to avoid having them elected on low turnouts.

A number of leading churchmen have come together and signed an open letter which condemns those which support parties such as the BNP. According to these leaders, parties such as the BNP adopt as a belief or cause what they regard as openly racist policies and also that racist party policies are incompatible with the Christian Gospel. In addition, they have said that these policies give rise to hatred and division.

The letter was signed by the Anglican Bishop of Exeter, the RT Reverend Michael Langrish, and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth - the RT Rev Christopher Budd. Others have put their names on this text such as the Rev David Grosch-Miller, moderator of the United Reformed Church's South-Western Synod, the Rev John Carne, district chairman of the region's Methodist church, and the Rev Jonathan Edwards, general superintendent of Devon and Cornwall's Baptist Association, and Major Cliff Bradbury, the divisional commander of the Salvation Army's South-West region.

The views come after outspoken concern at national level especially at the activities of the BNP and the hostile effect it could have on race relations. The letter says 'We wish to associate ourselves with the recent statements of other national and regional Christian bodies, in condemning support for organisations, such as the British National Party, as being incompatible with the Christian Gospel. Our society is best served by a political leadership that is committed to inclusiveness and promoting the richness of diversity rather than those who bring division and hatred. As extremist candidates are normally elected on low polls, Devon Church leaders encourage Church members, and all who are committed to open, just and democratic communities, to vote on June 10 for candidates who share this commitment together with a concern for, and solidarity with, those who are excluded and oppressed.'