CHURCH leaders around York have signed an open letter condemning the British National Party's (BNP) claim it represents Christian values.

The letter was started by the Rev Jeremy Clines, chaplain of York St John University, following The Press' article last Thursday revealing the BNP is fielding nine candidates in the local elections.

So far, the letter has been signed by 21 church leaders under the heading: "We the undersigned are certain that the racist policies of the British National Party do not in any way represent the Christian faith."

Mr Clines said: "I talked to three church leaders in York that day with the idea for a draft letter, "Although it's a time most clergy are taking services or on holiday, it's important to make a clear and brief response to the candidature of the BNP. We are concerned about them representing Christianity when we are confident that they do not and we refute any attempt by the BNP to claim that they represent Christian values.

"To be specific we refute that racist policies the BNP has represent Christian values."

He said that the quote from St Paul in Galatians 3:28-29 was a strong message that everyone is equal in the sight of God and that we are all God's children.

The Biblical quote says: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither free nor slave, neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."

But Dr Phil Edwards, press officer for the BNP, said it was the Church and its leaders which had neglected their Christian duty.

Dr Edwards said: "The duty of Christians is to give a lead to the population in terms of morality.

"They don't speak out to condemn homosexuality which, according to the Bible, is an abomination. One of our BNP councillors is a vicar, he is an ordained priest and he says the same thing."

He said that he did not know what would happen if a BNP councillor was found to have committed adultery.

Dr Edwards said: "God created the races of men separately throughout the world. It the Bible says that God sent all the separate races out into the world."

He said that, for Christians, God created the diversity of Man but people describe that as racist.

Dr Edwards said: "If it's said that the BNP don't like black people, then it's wrong.

"I know one or two Asian people and they are delightful, but I don't think they should be in this country. It's about realising that racial groups are different."

He added: "Why should the Church be involved in politics? They should be going out there making sure the churches are full of people - the churches are empty."