In response to the call from Trevor Phillips of the Commission for Racial Equality for churches to refuse Communion to supporters of the British National Party, the Methodist Church's coordinating secretary for public life and social justice Anthea Cox has said: "The Methodist understanding of Communion is as a means of grace and a means of conversion.

"Communion is therefore offered to all who are looking for a deeper relationship with God.

"This should in itself cause people to challenge their attitudes.

"We would refer people to 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 where Paul suggests that if people come to Communion and don't allow themselves to be challenged in this way, then it is God who will judge them.

"We would welcome everybody into Methodist churches.

"There is no room within the church for racism under any circumstances, and we will always challenge these attitudes, but we will never turn people away."

Referring to BNP leader Nick Griffin's acquittal on charges of inciting racial hatred, Mr Phillips said the church should have framed its own response. "If ever there was a moment for hellfire and damnation, this is it. At the very least, every pulpit this Sunday should have been ringing with denunciation, ministers and priests crying 'Not in our name' ... the far right should not be able to claim Christ to their cause. But they will do if we let them."

He added: "I feel rage that my church might expect me to be in communion with such as Nick Griffin. This is where Christ puts us to the test. In the end it is Christians who decide who shares their fellowship, and who is excluded."