Churches say 'Use your cross'

West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council has issued resources for local churches to address the threat from the British National Party at the 4 June European elections.

 

These include a specimen church magazine article in which church people are urged to 'USE YOUR CROSS' on election day.

 

The system of proportional representation means that the BNP could win a seat representing Yorkshire in the European Parliament. Churches can be in the forefront of countering the appeal of the BNP. The message is that everyone should come out and vote for another party, reducing the BNP proportion of the vote and celebrating democracy.

 

In 2004, church leaders associated with West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council issued a forthright condemnation of the BNP's policies. This year, WYEC has issued European election resource material to help local churches. Guidance notes for ministers and a specimen church magazine article ('USE YOUR CROSS') are being circulated around hundreds of churches in the region.

 

The magazine article and the guidance notes are attached to this email. Further resources - relevant bible references and websites - are on the WYEC website, www.wyec.co.uk.

 

Clive Barrett, Ecumenical Officer for West Yorkshire, said, 'The Christian message is of hope and unity; the BNP promote hate and division. I would urge every Christian to "use your cross" and to cast your vote for one of the other parties on 4 June'.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

The Revd. Dr. Clive Barrett,
County Ecumenical Development Officer,
West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council,
Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane,
Leeds, LS6 2BX

 

Tel: 0113 261 8053                            Fax: 0113 261 8054
Email: clivebarrett@wyec.co.uk        www.wyec.co.uk