Anglian Clergy warn of risks of votin g BNP
On June 4th 2009 every citizen in the United Kingdom will have the opportunity to vote in the European Parliament Elections. Ipswich will also see some County Council elections taking place.
Concern has been expressed at a number of candidates with potentially racist views who are standing, and East Anglian bishops of several Christian denominations have recently issued a joint statement urging people to use their vote and remain vigilant.
“The regional voting system means every vote counts,” the statement says. “As church leaders in the region we encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote and to do so with the well-being of all people in our communities in mind.
“The East of England has a notable history of welcoming people fleeing persecution elsewhere in Europe, sometimes on religious grounds.
“As Christian leaders in this generation, we believe that hospitality and living together with mutual respect remain the foundation of a civilised society. All human beings are created equal. That is why racism is a sin.
“Christ calls on us to love our neighbours as ourselves and in this forthcoming election we believe it is right to be vigilant about any party or individual candidate seeking to use people's fears for their own well-being to stir racial and religious hatred.
“At a time when many people are anxious about their jobs, finances and future, we pray that the best and most generous traditions of our national life will guide all voters on June 4th.”
As Christians, we recognise that Jesus always looked out for the poor, the broken, the oppressed, and was himself a refugee. Our faith in Christ encourages us towards the formation of a just, honest and loving society, where no-one is segregated by reason of race, colour, culture or religion. Xenophobic and racist policies can have no place within the life of the Church, and we hope that they will not find acceptance within our nation.
The recent revelations within our economic and political structures have so shocked us that we might feel tempted to disengage from the democratic process. However, this would be a grave mistake; instead, we must realise that now is the time for us to play our part and so make a difference. So let’s make sure we find out about candidates and policies, vote positively on Election Day, and encourage others to do the same!
For further information from several denominations encouraging us to vote responsibly and warning of the misuse of Christian imagery, language and symbols by the British National Party, and the racism inherent within their policies and those of several other minor political parties, see
Rev Paul Daltry and Rev Andrew Kleissner
The views carried here are those of the authors, not of Network Ipswich, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users. We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here.
|
