Church leaders speak out against prejudice ahead of elections

Bishops from the West Midlands have added their voices to calls from church leaders asking people not to support extremist parties in the forthcoming European elections.

In a joint statement, 11 bishops encourage church members to vote in the elections on June 4 and urge them to “resist” parties that promote prejudices based on country of origin, race or religion.

“We cannot stand by when groups and individuals are maligned, misrepresented and singled out for verbal or even physical abuse,” say the bishops.

“Any prejudice against others should be deeply offensive to all Christians, who believe that all are equal and immensely valued in the eyes of God

“So we wish to express in the strongest terms our distaste for any political platform which has the effect of destabilising communities through the use of misinformation, scare stories and inflammatory rhetoric.

“Those should be resisted and not rewarded, be it via the ballot box, silent assent or public endorsement.”

The bishops urge people not to be apathetic towards the democratic process, warning that a failure to participate may allow “the unacceptable to creep under the wire”.

“Remember too that decisions made in Europe are of vital importance affecting a range of issues from family life to the environment. Please use your vote wisely,” they said.

The appeal from the West Midland bishops follows similar calls from the leaders of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church.

The three Churches have produced a briefing pack stressing the importance of participating in democratic process and warning against the threat posed by the far-right BNP, which recently launched a poster campaign featuring Jesus and quoting Scripture.

The General Secretary of the BUGB, the Rev Jonathan Edwards, in particular denounced the BNP’s appropriation of Christian language and imagery as “deeply offensive”.

“We need churches across Britain to live out a faith that is open and inclusive, rooted in a commitment to love our neighbours as we love ourselves,” he said.

Methodist President the Rev Stephen Poxon said, “Voting isn’t just a right - it is a privilege that carries great responsibility. A high turnout at the ballot box is good for democracy and society and will make it harder for extremist parties to succeed.”

Last month, church leaders in Cumbria also urged people not to vote for the BNP, saying they were “deeply concerned” by the party’s suggestion that Christians should vote for the BNP in the June 4 elections.

The Cumbrian church leaders said the BNP’s policies “would have turned Jesus, Mary and Joseph away from their party and our shores”.

“The Christian vision of society is one where each person is treated with dignity and respect, whatever their race or religion. It is a vision of hope,” they said.

“The Christian churches are totally opposed to the BNP’s attempts to stir up racial and religious hatred, use false and distorted claims to exploit people’s fears, and create suspicion between communities. We reject their message of division and conflict.”