Views of UK Christians towards the June 10th Elections

Dr. Alison Elliot, the moderator of the General Assembly, has teamed up with Morag Mylne, the convener of the Kirk's Church and the Nation Commitee to ensure that the people of Scotland use their vote in the June 10th elections for the European Parliament. Both Dr. Elliot and Mrs. Mylne say that we must "take our due place in the Europe of which we are a part", and that "the first and most basic step in this is to vote in the election on 10 June."

The full text of the joint statement says:

"The 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings reminds us of how prone Europe is to being torn apart by bitter conflict and how easily racism and xenophobia can rear their heads. It is important that, as citizens of Europe, we find ways to work together to try to heal the wounds of the past. Churches right across Europe are keeping a lively dialogue going with Europe's political institutions about how that healing might take place and about how values of human rights, liberty and solidarity might be promoted within our continent. In particular, they give critical support to the European Union as one body that has the potential to contribute to that vision."

"The Church of Scotland has always encouraged active participation in the political process. In recent times the Church has also consistently recognised the importance of the United Kingdom's involvement in the developing European Union; and we welcomed the recent accession of 10 new member states."

"It is important that, as individuals and as a nation, we take our due place in the Europe of which we are a part - and the first and most basic step in this is to vote in the election on 10 June. Ensuring a high turnout in the polling booths is also the best way to ensure that the minority who seek to divide and to stir up enmity cannot have their way."

However, in England, the Church of England is also encouraging the public to vote in tomorrows elections but not to support groups like the BNP whom they say are looking to 'split communities'. As the Church of England stepped up their campaign, bishops said that 'voting for racist political parties is like spitting in the face of God'.

In issuing a statement that encourages people to vote in the elections to prevent extremist groups from gaining from complacency, bishops call for a 'steadfast rejection' of 'the evil of racism'.

From the West Midlands, eleven bishops signed the statement which says, "Any political movement that seeks to divide a community on the basis of colour or creed is incompatible with a true estimation of humanity and poses a grave danger to harmonious community relationships. Consequently voting for or supporting a political party that offers racist policies is like spitting in the face of God."

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, backed a leaflet that appeals to people in Lancashire not to vote for the BNP, following the race riots in Burnley, Bradford and Oldham.

Thousands of copies of the leaflet, which describe the BNP as a 'threat to the health of communities' have been produced and distributed by Christian and Muslim leaders.

Blackburn is fully aware of the dangers posed by the BNP, as one of their politicians was elected to the local council in 2002. Also in the previous year three seats were gained by the BNP in a Burnley by-election.

To give encouragement to the Bishops' statement, warnings have been issued against extremist parties across the country with the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, joining with other Christian leaders in the South.

Extremist candidates have in the past been elected on polls with low turn-outs, and the Devon Church leaders emphasised the importance of people turning out to vote for candidates who are concerned for the excluded and oppressed.