Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long
as ever you can.

John Wesley

Countering Political Extremism

Introduction

In February 2004, the Methodist Church stated that it:

1. Affirms that the Methodist Church is open to all in its worship, fellowship and service to the community. The policies and practices of those who promote racism and religious intolerance are incompatible with the Methodist Church's social witness, biblical teaching and our understanding of the love of God for all people.

2. Encourages people to vote in local, national and European elections. While not endorsing any particular political party, we urge people not to vote for candidates who promote racist policies.

3. Expects members of the Methodist Church to practise and promote racial justice and inclusion, and reject any political parties that attempt to stir up racial and religious hatred and fear of asylum seekers.

Methodists, along with many Christians and people from other faith communities, have been very concerned by the growing presence of extremist parties in local elections and their threat to community cohesion. The Church has stated that racism, in all its forms, is a sin, and a denial of God's love for each of God's children.

This website is a resource for churches in areas where the extremist parties are standing for election or have been elected. You can:

Read about the current state of extremist parties

Download guidance notes and bible study resources for your church

Issue a public statement about elections and inclusive policies

Join in with local community campaigns around the election

See what other organisations are involved