Churches concerned as BNP makes election gains

Disappointment and concern have been expressed by Christiansfollowing gains made by the British National Party (BNP) in lastweek's European Parliament Elections.

In elections held last Thursday, the BNP won two seats in theEuropean Parliament and three seats in local councils around theUK.

Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the MethodistChurch, said, "The limited success of the BNP does not change oursteadfast message: God loves all. Racism is a sin. The campaigningwork of the churches and other grass-roots organisations has helpedto highlight the need for people to vote positively, especially ata time when public confidence in politics has been shaken."

Many commentators predicted success for the BNP due to low voterturnout and the political scandals of recent weeks. However, thegains were nowhere near as great as the BNP themselvespredicted.

Revd Graham Sparkes, Head of Faith and Unity for the Baptist Unionof Great Britain, added; "It's deeply disappointing that we nowhave a racist party representing Britain in Europe for the nextfive years and it is vital that our remaining UK representativesdedicate themselves to promote the common good."

Secretary for Church and Society for the United Reformed Church,Frank Kantor, said; "We must never become comfortable with the BNPusing their position to promote their racist policies. We willcontinue to counter their messages of hatred and fear."