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16 March 2018

Methodist Council says 'reject parties that promote racist policies'

The Methodist Council, meeting on Saturday at All SaintsPastoral Centre, London Colney, Hertfordshire, discussed theconcern expressed by church members since last year over the highprofile election victories of the British National Party. TheCouncil passed the following resolution:

In the light of notice of motion (NM31) agreed by MethodistConference 2003 which 'expressed concern at the recent high profileelection victories of the British National Party in Burnley', theMethodist Council:

  • Affirms that the Methodist Church is open to all in itsworship, fellowship and service to the community. The policies andpractices of those who promote racism and religious intolerance areincompatible with the Methodist Church's social witness, biblicalteaching and our understanding of the love of God for allpeople.
  • Encourages people to vote in local, national and Europeanelections. While not endorsing any particular political party, weurge people not to vote for candidates who promote racistpolicies.
  • Expects members of the Methodist Church to practise andpromote racial justice and inclusion and reject any political partythat attempts to stir up racial and religious hatred and fear ofasylum seekers.

Following the Methodist Council resolution, Ms Anthea Cox,Methodist Church Co-ordinating Secretary for Public Life and SocialJustice, said: "People working in local settings having to face theissues raised by the BNP had outlined a need for a statement fromthe Methodist Church. I hope that this statement may be used tostrengthen their work being achieved locally. I hope that it willalso raise the importance for all Methodists to challenge racismand religious hatred wherever it occurs."

"The work that the Council has undertaken will help us to worktowards a joint churches statement following the agreement of asimilar statement from the United Reformed Church at its recentMission Council and the unanimous agreement of a Private Member'sMotion dealing with these issues by the Church of England General'sSynod last week."

The 70-strong Methodist Council meets four times a year to carryout the work of the annual Methodist Conference, the governing bodyof the Methodist Church in Britain.