HOPE not Hate Gospel concert

DLD dance group

RCCG International Christian Centre Choir

Forward in Faith Ministries Choir

Esther

DLT

Alexander Jackman

Jocelyn

Sonnie Badu

I had the privilege today, together with Roger Gayler Area Dean of Barking & Dagenham, of compering part of a wonderful Gospel concert held at St Alban's Becontree as part of the HOPE not hate campaign.

The concert featured: the DLD dance group (from New Wine Church); the RCCG Internatioal Christian Centre Choir; the Forward in Faith Ministries Choir; Esther (from UKCG); DLT; Alexander Jackman (author of I Am); Jocelyn and Gloria (from CCBC); and Sonnie Badu.

I spoke about the real threat that the BNP, as a deeply racist organisation, poses, particularly in Barking and Dagenham, and the need to vote on 6th May to stop them. The BNP, although it claims to defend our 'Christian heritage', is actually opposed by all the main Christian denominations because its message is one of hate, not hope.

The United Reformed Church and the Church of England have both said that support for the BNP and parties offering racist policies "is incompatible with Christian discipleship." The Catholic Bishops have said that "Racism is intrinsically evil ... All people share with Christians an obligation not to support [racist] organisations." The Baptists and Methodists "urge people not to vote for candidates who promote racist policies." Pastor Thomas Aderounmu from RCCG has said, "From my own experience the BNP in Barking and Dagenham is a serious issue of concern for all well meaning citizens of the borough, with the BNP on the increase we have a serious problem on our hands. The only way we can solve this problem is for us all to come out in our thousands and elect those we want to represent us both and the national and local level."

Jesus broke down barriers. He treated all people with respect. As a Jew he talked to the shunned Samaritans. Through the cross he reconciled people to God and to each other. “There is neither Jew nor Greek” (Galatians 3. 28). Christians assert that all human beings are created equally in the image of God. The Christian vision of society is one where each person is treated with dignity and respect, whatever their ethnic group or religion. It is a postive vision of hope not a negative agenda of hate.

The HOPE not hate campaign has been set up to stop the BNP. We believe that racism and division have no place in our community. Our Christian faith tells us that we are all equal and that we must love our neighbour. If we go out and vote on 6th May to stop the BNP, then hope can triumph over hate.

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Sonnie Badu - The Worshipper's Cry.