The United Reformed Church has contacted its leaders and congregations, reminding them of its long standing opposition to extreme right-wing and racist political parties,  and urging them to act in accordance with the URC resolution that “The United Reformed Church believes support for extremist parties to be incompatible with Christian discipleship.”

The anti-racist resolution was passed in January 2004 and, as the country prepares for a general election, the URC believes it timely to remember and re-emphasise that voting can be seen as both a civic and moral duty – and that support of parties that discriminate on racial grounds has no place amongst Christians.

John Marsh, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, adds, “As the election approaches I urge all Christians to consider carefully where they place their cross on the ballot paper. Let us focus clearly on the truth that we are all members of one race - the human race.  Within God’s Kingdom there is no place for racial hatred and I call upon us all to remain firm in our commitment to practise and promote racial justice and inclusion.”

More information on countering political extremism can be found by following the links below. The guidelines advise against allowing an extremist party to use church premises and recommends that political parties with racist policies are not invited to participate in election hustings meetings held on church premises. 

http://www.urc.org.uk/what_we_do/rjmm/docs/Political%20Extremism
http://www.ctbi.org.uk/