The Methodist Conference of 2016 unanimously passed a resolution calling for respect and tolerance in our national life in the wake of the divisive EU Referendum Campaign. It asked that the statement below be sent to MP's and others in positions of leadership. This page makes sending the statement to your MP easier by automatically generating an email and based on the postcode you give addressing it to the correct MP.
You may prefer to use old fashioned post to contact you MP, the text of the letter in Word format is here, and you may even consider meeting your MP to talk about these concerns. If you would like to share your replies or have any queries please contact enquiries@methodistchurch.org.uk
The form will generate an email addressed to your MP. The text below will be in the email, but you will be able to edit the text before it is sent.
The Conference also encouraged the Methodist people to join the campaign to wear an empty safety pin as a badge symbolising solidarity against racism (please see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36661097 for details).
Call on your MP to challenge racism and discrimination
As a result of the referendum on 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. In this time of very significant change and uncertainty there is a need for leadership which seeks the common good and encourages people to work together, to respect one another and to uphold the dignity of all.
The 2016 Annual Conference of the Methodist Church passed a resolution containing the following text:
The Methodist Conference believes that the British Isles are enriched by diversity and celebrates the contribution made by those who have come from other parts of the world.
The Christian tradition calls for respect, tolerance, love of neighbour and hospitality to the stranger. All bear the responsibility of speaking and acting for healing, reconciliation, and mutual respect.
The Methodist Conference abhors and deeply regrets those actions and words which incite hatred and lead to the victimisation of groups within society and notes with concern that such actions and words have been normalised in recent public discourse. Believing that racism is a denial of the gospel and that to stay silent when others are abused is to collude with those who seek to promote hatred and division, the Methodist Conference calls:
-on the Methodist people to challenge racism and discrimination.
-for a political debate which neither demonises any nor leaves the vulnerable (the foreigner, the immigrant and refugee) in danger of victimisation.
-on political leaders to work together for the good of the whole community putting the needs of the nation before party politics.
- all those in positions of power and authority to hear the voices of those who have been marginalised and alienated and to respond to them in ways which offer real hope for the future.
The Conference now urges all Methodists to contact their MPs. Ask them to support these aims, and ask how Christians within your constituency can help them in this important task.
Text and image from http://www.methodist.org.uk/mission/public-issues/national-life
