Not in our church

posted by: Nick Lowles | on: Friday, 10 July 2009, 14:57

The Methodist church has taken a stand against the BNP by banning its members from joining the far right party.

A resolution passed by the annual Methodist Conference, meeting in Wolverhampton, declared that “No member of the Church can also be a member of a political party whose constitution, aims or objectives promote racism. This specifically includes, but is not solely limited to, the British National Party”.

Earlier this year the General Synod of the Church of England passed a motion banning its clergy from joining the BNP. This goes further.

“We must be clear that racism is a denial of the Gospel” said Rev Sylvester Deigh, who proposed the motion.

“An openness to all people, regardless of nationality, is at the heart of Methodist identity” he continued.

The motion was seconded by the Rev Dr Angela Shier-Jones.

While strongly condemning racism and the BNP specifically, the motion declares that “those who support racist parties are also God’s children, and in need of love, hope and redemption”.