COLLEGE STREET SW1
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
The teenagers in the video speak of an ‘unholy alliance’ of bankers ‘who want us to be debt slaves’, of the ‘Capitalists who want to make us wage slaves’ and ‘militant homosexuals’, among others. They say all these have taken Britain away from Christian values it once held on to. But in political terms, what are Christian values? Is it ‘demanding’ the end of immigration and gay rights? The Church of England don’t think so, which is why the General Synod voted to ban any clergy from being BNP members.
This is not to say all Christians feel the same politically, and indeed, the BNP may have Christian followers. Groups such as the Christian Socialist Movement, the Conservative Christian Fellowship and the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum‘s existence prove the varying views.
Christians in Politics, a group that encourages the political engagement of those of the faith, say on their website: “Few would disagree that a concern for the poor and for family life are key biblical emphases. However, whether we should respond by reducing the tax burden to encourage philanthropy or by raising taxes to fund social welfare payments is not quite so clear!”
If views can vary that much, should believers just stay out of politics in case they have got it wrong, then? “Politics is a spiritual matter! The gospel message is relevant to every area of our lives, including our political life. When we bring godly wisdom to political debate with an attitude of humility and confidence, society is blessed as a result. And when we communicate Christ in the ‘public square’, the good news is preached in words and in action,” Christians in Politics go on to say.
So what does this mean? The BNP Youth video didn’t show a lot of love or humility. Whether you agree with their views on the causes of society’s problems or not, there must be room for the respect of all people. While it is easy to get wrapped up in political rights and wrongs, it is our job as Christians to set the example of love to all those we meet, debate with and campaign about, whether we agree with their political views or not.