Parliamentary candidates within the Diocese of Southwark will be invited to sign an anti-racism statement in the run-up to the General Election. In signing it they will reject all forms of racist activity and commit themselves and their campaign workers to avoiding any words or actions which might stir up or lead to racial prejudice. They will also welcome the multi-ethnic character of British society today as 'a positive enrichment of national life'.

This invitation follows the initiative of the House of Bishops of the Church of England last autumn, when church leaders met with each of the three main party leaders during the party conference season. All three assured the bishops then that they would disown any party candidate or member approving, condoning or encouraging resentment against residents, immigrants or asylum seekers on the basis of their colour or ethnic origin in party political activity.

The Anglican Borough Deans, who liase with local government in civic and social issues, will invite their ecumenical colleagues to join them in approaching candidates. They will encourage local media to report the initiative and to publish the names and parties of any candidates who refuse to sign the statement by an agreed date.

The Archdeacon of Southwark, the Ven Douglas Bartles-Smith, who chaired the working party which drew up the statement, said: "The churches believe it vitally important that all candidates not only reject any racist activity but also positively welcome the multi-ethnic character of British society."

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