Use your vote to foil BNP - church leaders

| Thursday, 20 May 2004 Source: www.sheffieldtoday.net

CHURCH leaders of the main faith communities in Sheffield were today rallying support against the 'race hate' of the British National Party.

The Bishops of the Anglican and Roman Catholics churches, along with Methodists, Islamic groups, Sikhs and the Jewish communities are set to sign a joint declaration opposing the right wing party, which is contesting 22 seats in South Yorkshire's local elections as well as the European polls.

People across South Yorkshire are being urged to use their vote to prevent the BNP getting a foothold.

The declaration reads: "As leaders of religious communities in the city, we do not encourage people to vote for any particular party.

"But we do oppose those who stir up racial hatred, use false and distorted claims to create suspicion, and exploit people's fears to drive a wedge between our communities.

"We reject the BNP's message of division and conflict. To defeat racist policies and platforms a high turnout is vital.

We urge people to use their vote." Meanwhile, churches in Beauchief and Greenhill, Sheffield, have urged people to use their vote in the local and European elections to combat 'the menace' of the British National Party.

Spiritual leaders from the churches say: "Far-right groups peddle a brand of prejudice, racism and bigotry which is directly opposed to the gospel in its denial that all people are of equal worth and deserve equal treatment and opportunity.

"Exploiting the fears of those who may feel they lack power and influence, they stir up prejudice and suspicion. "We strongly urge you to use your vote so that the BNP will not be elected by default."

"Sometimes people feel that local and European elections are not important and do not bother to vote. It is in exactly those circumstances that fascist parties make gains."

The statement comes from six churches in the area, represented by by Joy Adams (Methodist), Fr Lawrie Jenkins (Church of England), Rev Ian Bell (Methodist), Rev Stephen Parker (Evangelical Church), Mark Chambers (Methodist), Rev Matthew Porter (Church of England), Jonathan Dunning (Christian Fellowship), Rev Jane Rowell (United Reformed), Rev David Hudston (United Reformed) and Greg Unwin (Methodist).

In Sheffield the BNP is fielding five candidates in the council elections. As well as one in Beauchief and Greenhill there is one in Woodhouse while three are targeting wards in Home Secretary David Blunkett's Brightside constituency.