Posted on 05/01/2004 11:46:12 AM PDT by MegaSilver
Catholic bishops in England and Wales have joined Church of England colleagues in issuing instructions to their congregations not to vote for the British National party in next month's elections.
In a statement yesterday, it warned its members not to support candidates and political parties that seek to foster ethnic and religious tensions.
It said: "We must look instead for political leadership that is committed to healing divisions, bridging differences and creating truly inclusive communities. We ... join our own voice with the recent statements of other Christian churches which have condemned the policies of racist political parties as incompatible with the Christian Gospel."
The move is unprecedented in modern times, for the Catholic Church in England and Wales at least has always steered clear of advising its members how to vote - though in Scotland the late Cardinal Winning was less reticent in opposing parties such as Labour which supported abortion rights.
The BNP has reacted angrily to similar condemnations from north of England clergy.
The Catholic bishops also issued a statement supporting EU enlargement and calling for a high turnout in the European elections.
As for the church,it shows time and time again that it has never been on our side.
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