Churches attacked by BNP -Apr 28, 2004
Ekklesia has defended the action of church leaders in West Yorkshire who are due to condemn the policies of the British National Party (BNP).

During a studio discussion on BBC Radio's Five Live this morning, Ekklesia's director Jonathan Bartley told a BNP press officer who called the morning programme that orthodox Christianity was at odds with the BNP.

Jonathan Bartley was taking part in a studio discussion and phone-in on the relationship between religion and politics at the time that the BNP's Phil Edwards called.

The BNP spokesman accused churches of "neo-marxism" being "confused" and insisted that religious leaders should stay out of politics.

In response, Ekklesia's director told the BNP press officer that church had a times in history failed to speak out forcefully enough against political parties from the far-right. This was a mistake that churches must not repeat, Jonathan Bartley said.

He added; "We are in a privileged position in the UK and it is right that we look at sharing those resources with the rest of the world. This is orthodox Christianity."

Last week the Methodist church launched a initiative entitled; "Countering Political Extremism," an online information resource for churches concerned about the rise of far-right political parties such as the BNP.

Now, churches in West Yorkshire are urging people to vote only for those who show "a spirit of inclusive welcome" to all races and faiths in June's local and European elections.

Unless voters turn out in high numbers, they believe those with "extremist views" could be elected by a minority.

The letter, from the West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council, is being described as a historic joint statement.