We must challenge racism, but all are welcome in communion

Speaking in response to Trevor Phillips' call for churches torefuse communion to supporters of the British National Party,Anthea Cox, Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and SocialJustice, said;

"The Methodist understanding of communion is as a means of graceand a means of conversion. Communion is therefore offered to allwho are looking for a deeper relationship with God. This should initself cause people to challenge their attitudes. We would referpeople to 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 where Paul suggests that if peoplecome to communion and don't allow themselves to be challenged inthis way, then it is God who will judge them. We would welcomeeverybody into Methodist churches. There is no room within theChurch for racism under any circumstances, and we will alwayschallenge these attitudes but we will never turn peopleaway."