The United Reformed Church has called on Christians to work actively to counter those who stir up racial hatred, in the period before the European elections in June. The URC has helped produce a “toolkit” to equip local churches to take action against racist policies.

Every adult in the UK will have the opportunity to vote on 4 June; there will also be some English County Council elections on the same day. But local and European elections historically have a low turnout, which makes it easier for extremist parties to do well.

The toolkit, produced jointly by the URC, the Methodist Church and the Baptist Union of Great Britain - working through the Joint Public Issues Team - explains the importance of citizenship and participating in democratic processes.  The three Churches have made clear their belief that the policies of extremist and racist political parties are incompatible with an understanding of God’s love for all people. They reject intolerant political parties and call on Christians to work actively to counter those who stir up hatred.

The Revd John Marsh, Moderator of the general assembly of the United Reformed Church, said “The European Union directly influences many aspects of our lives. The European Parliament is the only EU body elected by its citizens, and it is a powerful and important legislature for all 27 member countries.”

The briefing and toolkit are available online at www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/jpitpolitics

A news release is available at http://www.urc.org.uk/what_we_do/communications/press/press_releases/2009/Release%20Euro%20Elections.doc