Election candidates to be asked to... Sign up to a racism-free campaign

As Downing Street decides on the election date, Bishop Tom has called on all prospective parliamentary candidates to publicly commit themselves and their campaign workers to avoiding any words or actions which might stir up or lead to racial prejudice.

Anglican Borough Deans have been asked to lead an ecumenical approach to candidates to sign a model anti-racism statement.

This was drawn up by a joint London and Southwark Diocesan Working Party, organised by Southwark's Board for Church in Society, chaired by Douglas Bartles-Smith, the Archdeacon of Southwark.

They are asked to pass on to the local press for publication the names of any who refuse to sign.

The statement commits candidates:

1. To reject all forms of racist violence, racial harassment and unlawful racial discrimination.
2. Not to publish or endorse any election material that might reasonably be expected to stir up or invite hostility or division between people of different cultural, ethnic or national groups.
3. To endeavour to ensure that, in any dealings with the public, no words or actions are used which may stir up racial hatred or lead to racial prejudice.
4. To ensure that all campaign workers are aware of these principles and act upon them.

Positive

Just above the place for the candidate's signature the statement ends with the words:

"Furthermore, I acknowledge the multi-ethnic character of British society today and welcome this as a positive enrichment of national life."

Bishop Tom said "The House of Bishops has taken an active position on the issue of racism in the context of the General Election, including meeting the leaders of the main political parties. In the light of this, I am seeking to ensure that during the campaign race and ethnicity issues are not promoted in a divisive or destructive manner by candidates in our diocese."

Vision and Values

The model statement has also been sent to all incumbents to publicise within their parishes, together with a Vision and Values statement drawn up by the Southwark and London Dioceses Working Party.

The Vision and Values statement, also intended to be published in each parish, will help Christians consider political stances on various election issues in the light of the Gospel.

Click here for a copy of the Vision and Values Statement for you to print and keep.

Parishes are also being encouraged to get involved in local 'hustings' where candidates can hear the Christian perspective on different issues. A pack is available to help churches or 'churches together' groups in planning meetings.

Details of that and other Christian sources of information on election issues are on the next page...

Terry Drummond is the parishes' contact for detailed help and advice on the elections - and has available "General Election 2001: what local churches have to offer", containing hints and tips about practical action churches can take in the run up to an election, including running a local 'hustings'.

He can be contacted at St Matthew's House, 100 George Street, Croydon CR0 1PE (Tel: 020-8681 5496).