Church to take on the BNP
RELIGIOUS groups across Wakefield are joining forces to encourage voters not to vote for the British National Party in June's local elections.
The Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Rev Stephen Platten, and Deputy Bishop, the Rt Rev Tony Robinson have already endorsed a General Synod recommendation that a "vote for the BNP is an affront to God", and the racist policy of voluntary repatriation should be opposed.
BNP Wakefield branch chairman John Aveyard confirmed that his party plans to field a large number of candidates in the elections, but would not confirm how many or in which wards.
In a letter to the Express Horbury Churches Together raised their concerns about BNP activity throughout the city: "We resist and challenge the messages from the BNP against members of some faith communities and assert that all human beings are created equally in the image of God.
"As Christians, we deplore all attempts to divide our society on race and asylum issues. We welcome and celebrate the contribution and example given to our society by peoples of all faiths and races."
The letter will be published in the Churches Together magazine and distributed to churches of different denominations in the district.
Chris Battye, chairman of Horbury Churches Together, said it was now time for the Church to stand up and be counted and oppose racist policies.
"The Church is beginning to shout and give its view. The BNP has been shouting for too long and now it is our turn.
"People need to have a freedom in their beliefs and worship in their own religion and culture," he said.
He urged voters to read and fully understand the policies of political parties before voting.
David Rowland, secretary of the Horbury group, gave his backing in their stance against the BNP.
"It is time all parties reflected the spirit of inclusive welcome. We are all human beings. If this is challenged, it is essential to put your head above the parapet and stand up for your beliefs," said Mr Rowland.
Mr Aveyard said: "I know a few Christians and they are all good people but they are all political correctness-crazy – they need protecting from themselves."
In last year's local elections BNP candidate Suzy Cass won 18.5 per cent of votes in the Ossett ward, and Mr Aveyard earned 15.4 per cent of votes in the Horbury ward.
l Voice of Wakefield – page 6
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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