THE Bishop of Worcester has issued a joint statement warning the electorate that voting for racist political parties was like "spitting in the face of God".

The Rt Rev Peter Selby was one of 11 bishops from across the West Midlands to put their names to the document urging people to reject groups that tried to stir up racial and religious hatred, discrimination and fear of asylum seekers.

They said community relations in the region were harmonious but in grave danger from political movements seeking to divide communities on the basis of creed and colour.

The initiative comes just weeks before the European and local elections and is designed to persuade people to vote amid concerns that apathy and complacency could lead to a vacuum in society.

The statement said: "We, as leaders of faith communities in the Midlands, share a belief in a God-given creation that affords unique worth to all human beings, regardless of ethnicity, colour or creed.

Harmonious

"Any political movement that seeks to divide a community on the basis of colour or creed is incompatible with a true estimation of humanity and poses a grave danger to harmonious community relationships.

"Consequently, voting for, or supporting a political party that offers racist policies is like spitting in the face of God.

"We call on all people of our faith communities and all people of goodwill to reject steadfastly the evil of racism and to model a commitment to loving all our neighbours."

The statement concluded: "While not endorsing any political party, we encourage all people to vote in the forthcoming local and European elections as a witness to this and urge them not to vote for candidates who promote racist policies.

We expect all members of our faith communities to practise and promote racial justice and inclusion and reject any political party that attempts to stir up racial and religious hatred, discrimination and fear of asylum seekers.