CofE Synod passes BNP membership ban

The Church of England General Synod has passed a motion banning its clergy and lay staff, from being members of the British National Party (BNP). The motion was passed by 322 votes to 13, with 22 people abstaining.

The motion points to the policy used by the Association of Chief Police Officers, which prevents police officers from becoming members of the BNP or other organisations whose aims contradict the duty to promote race equality.

The BNP campaigns for the voluntary repatriation of immigrants and for the interests of indigenous people of Britain. The party has been charged with being extreme and racist, although its leader Nick Griffin denies this charge.

The motion was put forward by Vasantha Gnanadoss, who works for the Metropolitan police. She claims the motion is needed to prevent parties like the BNP associating themselves with the Church. A ban on membership would also send a clear message against racial prejudice, she claims.

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