On his trip to Jordan last week, Pope Benedict said, “Often it is the ideological manipulation of religion, sometimes for political ends, that is the real catalyst for tension and division, and at times even violence, in society.” He was directing his comments at the centuries of misuse of religious teaching to foment bloodshed in the Middle East.
It applies equally to Britain, though. It has taken us 300 years seriously to consider reversing Queen Anne’s 18th decree that Catholics could not sit on the English throne. Back then, the foiling of the terrorist act called the Gunpowder Plot legitimised the persecution of Catholics just as 9/11 has done for Muslims today. In each case, the idiocy of a few extremists made life hell for their religious compatriots and drove their enemies to the opposite extreme.
Today, no-one seriously considers Catholicism a threat to British life. Similarly, any sensible person knows that “Islamic terrorism” is neither “Islamic” nor part of the lives or thoughts of most peace-loving Muslims. Yet the popular search for someone to blame for our nation’s ills has pushed moderate Brits towards our own extremists, the British National Party. The party is even attempting to ally itself with Jesus Christ in an effort to inflame anti-Muslim attitudes. “What Would Jesus do? Vote BNP,” the party billboard cynically proclaims to the disgust of the church.
When I met with Wyre Forest’s clergy for breakfast last week, there was clear concern that the BNP should be putting up a candidate in Wyre Forest. But the fact remains that 10 people in St Georges and St Oswalds have nominated a BNP candidate and over 30 people in Wyre Forest have joined the party. I have no desire to publicise the efforts of these misguided people but I hope I can persuade good people of any political persuasion to come out and vote against the BNP on June 4th. As Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Neville Farmer,
Wyre Forest Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman
May 13, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Too true Nev. 10 misguided residents give a Ballot Paper opportunity for a Party that is fundamentally Fascist.
If you follow the link on their Shuttle Ad you come to the BNP website with a fundraising appeal and a picture of Winston Churchill who also appears on UKIP Posters. Churchill was NOT perfect (he let the Poles down badly) BUT he was NO FASCIST and NO LITTLE ENGLANDER.
I caanot imagine Churchill supporting UKIP and he must be spinning in his grave with that BNP Ad.