Clergyman's concern over far right party

A leading South Yorkshire clergyman has told of his concern following the election of the region's first British National Party councillors.

Archdeacon Richard Blackburn says community relations and social cohesion could be at risk after the success of the far-right organisation in the local elections.

John Gamble snatched a seat for the BNP on Rotherham Council in Brinsworth, by 61 votes, beating the town's Labour Mayor Allan Jackson. And the party scored a second success in Maltby, where shopkeeper Will Blair beat sitting Labour member Glyn Robinson by just 18 votes. The BNP also finished second in some wards in Sheffield.

Speaking at Rotherham's annual civic service, Archdeacon Blackburn said people probably voted the way they did because they felt they were not being listened to elsewhere. He said: "The BNP often finds support in the context of significant problems, where people feel that no one is listening to them. Some of the results have provided a sobering wake-up call for all of us who care about democracy and the way in which our councillors are elected. The arrival of the British National Party on our scene and into our council chamber is a concern."

Archdeacon Blackburn said it was necessary to make it absolutely clear that the far-right party did not advocate Christian policies, whatever their literature might say.

"The BNP has traditionally presented its election message as 'Christian' and some of its election literature claims they promote 'traditional Christian values'. However, its policies and practices, which promote racism and racial intolerance, are incompatible with the church's social witness, biblical teaching and our understanding of the love of God for all people," he added.

The Archdeacon went on to say that good community relations and social cohesion relied on people exhibiting understanding and tolerance.

"I wish to publicly affirm our care, as the Church of England, for our Muslim sisters and brothers. We are determined to keep working with them in Rotherham and throughout our Diocese in South Yorkshire to develop communities, which build on our common belief in God's concern for all humanity. I deplore insults to any religion as well as actions and words which offend deeply held beliefs. As a Christian, I offer respect for the faith of others. And I call upon everyone of good will to work together for peace."

The Star