Four Anglican bishops from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire have encouraged their church members to vote in the forthcoming local elections, but have given a clear caution against supporting parties which promote prejudices based on country of origin, race or religion.

In a joint statement issued to Anglican churches across the two counties, the bishops state: "...we wish to express in the strongest terms our distaste for any political platform which has the effect of destabilising communities through the use of misinformation, scare stories and inflammatory rhetoric."

The bishops go on to state that no Ordained Ministers from any of their churches will be standing as BNP candidates in the forthcoming elections. They say: "We further confirm that the core beliefs and policies of the BNP are inconsistent with the teaching and example of Jesus Christ."

A full copy of the statement is copied below.

30^th April 2009

Statement from the Anglican bishops of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

As leaders of the Church of England across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, including more than 640 churches, our care is not only for our members, but also for the communities in which we live, work and worship.  We are charged with pursuing the common good of all people, but especially those who are in particular need and who find themselves marginalised and disadvantaged in our society.  We cannot stand by when groups and individuals are maligned, misrepresented and singled out for verbal or even physical abuse. 

In a democracy it is even more alarming when prejudices founded upon country of origin, race or religion become part of a political platform, and are offered to the electorate for endorsement. 

So we wish to express in the strongest terms our distaste for any political platform which has the effect of destabilising communities through the use of misinformation, scare stories and inflammatory rhetoric and which should be resisted and not rewarded, be it via the ballot box, silent assent or public endorsement.  Issues of asylum seekers and migrant workers have to be addressed in an informed and balanced way according to the highest standards of civilised society and mutual respect.  There is now sufficient evidence to confirm that Migrant Workers are vital to the economic well-being of our region, and they can also greatly enrich the cultural life of our communities if encouraged to do so. It is also true that less than 3 per cent of the world's refugees are hosted by the UK and as Christians we have a responsibility to care for the vulnerable and offer a welcome to strangers and foreigners.

For the avoidance of doubt, we confirm that no Ordained Ministers from any of our Churches will be standing as BNP candidates in the forthcoming elections.  We further confirm that the core beliefs and policies of the BNP are inconsistent with the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

Finally, we encourage you to vote in the coming elections, and to push back the tide of apathy that is seeing fewer citizens engage in the democratic process.  Apathy is always dangerous because it too often allows the unacceptable to creep under the wire.  

Signed:    +George Cassidy, Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham

               +Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby

               +Tony Porter, Bishop of Sherwood

                +Humphrey Southern, Bishop of Repton