March 25, 2009

Bishop slams BNP

The Bishop of Manchester has branded the far-right BNP a party of 'division, fear and hatred'.

In an outspoken attack, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch said the group had 'a racial analysis at the core of its philosophy' that was incompatible with British democracy. He called for all mainstream parties - and people of all faiths - to reject the BNP in European Parliament elections this summer. The bishop was speaking at a meeting of the full council at Manchester town hall.

"There are those who do not share our vision of Manchester and who will seek political success by preaching a message of division and hatred," he said. "They will use racism and other prejudice to challenge the very diversity which strengthens our city. They will exploit the difficult times which presently face our country, trying to turn one community against the other. They will use difference as a scapegoat, because they have nothing else to offer in response to the issues we face."

The bishop added: "At the heart of our political process is belief in democratic representation - a belief that values difference and, yes, seeks the common good. The BNP does neither. It offers only division, fear and hatred. I make no apology for speaking of the BNP directly. This party has a racial analysis at the core of its philosophy. It claims that it is not a racist party, but it calls at least for a segregation of the races."

The bishop denied his attack was `over the top' and simply giving the BNP 'the oxygen of publicity'. He compared the situation to pre-war Germany, quoting a pastor who regretted failing to speak out against the Nazis.

"I don't need to remind you that the Nazi party was democratically elected by the German population," he added. "That is why a key task for us must be to deliver the maximum possible turnout at the European elections in June."

Bishop Nigel is the first bishop in living memory to address a council meeting in Manchester. He was speaking in support of the cross-party `Hope not Hate' campaign, which is seeking to marginalise the BNP and other extremist groups. The council went on to pass a motion condemning those who 'deliver messages of hate aimed to divide our communities and whip up intolerance and violence against our neighbours'.

The BNP is planning to target the north west region in the June elections, with leader Nick Griffin at the top of their list of candidates.

Simon Darby, deputy leader of the BNP, said: "It is not up to the church to tell people who they can and cannot vote for. He talks about democracy but democracy is when people decide. It is not done by senior members of the church abusing their position by trying to bully people."

Manchester Evening News

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

"It is not up to the church to tell people who they can and cannot vote for."

It is the duty of the church to attempt to instil morality into any debate, political or otherwise. If the church perceives the BNP as immoral it is right and proper that it speaks out.

Anonymous said...

Simon Darby says "Democracy is when people decide". Exactly, and all that the Bishop and the HOPE not hate campaign are doing is giving people the means of making an informed decision. No one is abusing their position or bullying people, just giving the facts and a moral perspective.

Anonymous said...

"It is not up to the church to tell people who they can and cannot vote for."

So what's the fake Reverend West and the stupid Christiab Council of Britain up to then? Or did Simon darby forget they existed?

Anonymous said...

the so-called Reverend West is a fraud just like his lord and master Nick 'Fingers' Griffin.

Anonymous said...

"It is the duty of the church to attempt to instil morality into any debate, political or otherwise. If the church perceives the BNP as immoral it is right and proper that it speaks out."

I'm not a Christian or anything else but that sounds about right to me.

Anonymous said...

Religion is fraud - end of!

Therefore, who really gives a flying fuck what the bible bashers say!

Anonymous said...

vile bunch of traitors just go and die!!!!!!11

Anonymous said...

The "Wrong Reverend" West is obviously at a loose end for not getting enough cult followers to "do a Waco!"

Anonymous said...

Does Simon Darby not understand the English language?

Where in the bishop's quoted remarks does he "tell" anyone how to vote, or threaten anyone with bullying ?

Antifascist said...

'vile bunch of traitors just go and die!!!!!!11'

Thank you for your valuable and insightful contribution. You must have put a great deal of thought into it and I want you to know that we all appreciate the effort.

Barbara Suzuki said...

Exclusive policies by a political party seeking power are immoral.

You don't have to be religious to grasp this fatal flaw in the BNP's manifesto.

But well done the C of E for making a stand about this.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Bish!

Far from "not getting involved in politics", all religious leaders have a right and a duty to speak out against evil.

Darby is a pillock.

Epping Forest BNP Watch said...

It's good that church leaders are condemning the BNP and are generally socially progressive when it comes to multi-faith issues and human rights. I hope we never return to the days when the Vatican aligned itself with fascism.

John said...

'vile bunch of traitors just go and die!!!!!!11'

Er, you need to let go of the shift key & exclamation key at the same time - hard for BNP wankers to grasp the concept of multi-tasking, I know. Just try to think of how you racially abuse blacks & asians at the same time - you manage that alright.............