Last week members from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities gathered together in Sheffield to protest against the divisive political agenda of the British National Party.

|TOP|With local elections across England upcoming at the beginning of May, the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Jack Nicholls led the interfaith team in a promotion of peace and tolerance.

The BNP has come to the forefront of media in the run-up to the elections due to a number of polls suggesting increasing support for the far-right party.

Employment minister Margaret Hodge warned that as many as 8 out of 10 white families in her Barking constituency in east London admitted that they were tempted to vote for the BNP, which is renowned for its extreme policies to tackle immigration in Britain.

A panicked reaction has been seen by the country’s leading political forces, with some dismissing the threat, and others blaming the major political parties for the unrest witnessed amongst voters.

Conservative leader, David Cameron told Sky News: “The BNP is a party that thrives on hatred, that wants to set one race against another.”

He added: "I hope nobody votes for the BNP. I would rather people voted for any other party."

|AD|The BNP has traditionally been seen as far too extreme for the huge majority of people in Britain, yet why suddenly has the party’s polling power rocketed from nowhere?

The news covering the entire episode has made worrying reading for those that uphold Christian morals.

However, the Gospel teaches us clearly about the way to live a life of love – ‘To love your neighbour as yourself’.

More than this, Christianity teaches us to ‘love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you’. It is to cover up another’s hate with love. This has been the relationship that God has shown us, and it is upon this foundation from which a truly beautiful society can spread; a society of love and embracing.

Some say that people are turning to the far-right BNP due to voters’ increasing lack of confidence in the mainstream parties. However, even though voters may not be 100 percent satisfied with other parties, a vote for the BNP would go against the basics of a healthy society; division and rejection towards others will only spread the same.

Following tough times such as the London bombings in July 2005, it is an easy time to try and vent anger and frustration in such ways to vote for parties such as the BNP due to dissatisfaction, but it is at these very times when the world seems dark and divided that those with faith must stand up firmly to stand for peace, harmony and unity.

Britain has gone through some hard times over the past 12 months, but during this time mutual toleration and respect must be observed. A strong community is one that reveals unconditional love, through hope for peace and unity, and it is upon this foundation that Britain can rise up into something which all voters want.

A vote allows the exercise of free will, and is something precious. However, it is something that should be used for the purpose of the building of a society of love and unity, and not used out of hatred.