April 19, 2007

Backlash against BNP

Church leaders have come together to condemn the BNP over the far-right party’s latest attempts to claw their way into the town hall. Eight candidates are standing in next month’s local elections, the largest contingent ever in Tameside.

The Rev John Holland, of Christ Church, Ashton, said: "I cannot support anything that breeds division and resentment between people of different cultural backgrounds. It is disappointing to see Waterloo as one of the wards chosen to field a candidate. We enjoy a very good relationship with people of other faiths. In fact, the church is being used this weekend for a Hindu funeral. The BNP are a divisive element. We are all God’s creation and although we may know him by different names, humanity is about wholeness. The BNP want to destroy that."

Waheed Ahmed, Imam at the Katherine Street mosque, Ashton, said: "In my time here, racial aggravation has never reared its ugly head. Certainly not on the scale of nearby towns such as Oldham and Burnley. People should support political parties which are working for the good of all people, be it in relation to race, colour and class or trying to create harmony and peace among all. I’d urge everyone not to vote for the BNP or anyone else who advocates hate and violence."

The Rev Philip Burrows, of Mottram Church, said: "I am not shocked by the amount of candidates standing. I have spoken out about this in the past. I don’t think membership of the BNP is compatible with a loving Christian faith."

Dr Phil Edwards, BNP national press spokesman, said: "The church seems to have forgotten that they’re here to preach the gospel, not to interfere in the democratic process. There is nothing un-Christian about being a member of the BNP. It is a shame the Muslim leaders in this country are expanding their religion while Christian leaders are allowing our religion to wither away."

Tameside Advertiser

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