Faith groups unite against BNP

Faith, community and business leaders from Greater Manchester signed a giant anti-BNP European election pledge card in the nave of Manchester Cathedral this morning.

Clergy signing the pledge included the Bishop of Middleton, Methodist Reverend David King, Chairman of the Bolton and Rochdale District, Major Mel Jones, North West Divisional Leader of the Salvation Army and Reverend Richard Church, Moderator from the North West Synod of the United Reformed Church.

Representatives of the Muslim, Jewish and Sikh faiths also signed the pledge.

The faith leaders were signing the pledge as a reaction to the fact that there is a BNP candidate running for Moston in the Manchester City Council elections next month.

A joint statement from the leaders said: “As leaders of Greater Manchester Faith Communities, we want to express our support for the local religious leaders. Alongside them, we express our concern at the racist history and policies of the British National Party, which is fielding a candidate. We say ‘No’ to the BNP’s view of the world.

"We say ‘Yes’ to neighbourhoods where there is peace, justice and equality for everyone, whoever they are. Let’s beware of making certain groups in our society scapegoats in the current economic downturn. It is untrue – and only adds to the suffering. Let’s care for one another instead.

"The election of every local councillor makes a big impact on the daily life of a community. Unrepresentative people can only get elected when the moderate majority don’t bother to vote. So please vote in the by-election on 9 April: cast your vote for the values that make a community open and welcoming, hopeful and confident.”