Responding to the British National Party (BNP)
That the Synod of the Diocese of Chelmsford calls upon the parishes and people
of the diocese to respond to God's call to love our neighbour, to serve all
His people and to build His Kingdom. As we live this out, we urge that all take
an active part in responding to the challenge posed by the BNP and similar racist
political parties.
Church members are reminded to encourage all people of goodwill to register
and cast their votes, not least because this reduces the proportion of votes
which go a political party whose racist foundation is incompatible with Christian
discipleship.
Parishes and people are urged to work with ecumenical and other partners to promote Christian values in all political dialogue and in particular:
· To ensure that respect, equality and justice for all people is part of the contribution made by parishes to local dialogue;
· To ensure that no literature or promotional material from any racist political party is permitted in any parish building nor placed on any parish notice board;
· To make respect for all people a component of regular Christian teaching, including through the observance of Racial Justice Sunday;
· To promote participation in public life, including standing for political office, as a vocation for some Christians;
· To co-operate with other groups and organisations working towards these goals;
· To urge all major political parties to address the issues which draw people to vote for far-right political parties.
This Synod agrees that this motion be circulated to all parishes and shared
ecumenically in advance of forthcoming elections in Essex and East London.
Passed overwhelmingly
by Chelmsford Diocesan Synod
on March 7th 2009
