Clergy can be members of political parties. I am. My boundaries are: I don't say anything party political from the pulpit or equivalent, and I don't do public-facing canvassing. But some clergy do, and some are elected to political roles eg. local councillors. It's open to interpretation!
Does that rule out the current conservative Party (and tbh the Labour Party too)?
At the rate we going, you wonder, don’t you?
Thanks both. I had read this paragraph but misread and misunderstood it. I can see a value to not saying anything specifically partisan from the pulpit. But you can speak out about and support organisations and actions more broadly in line with the beliefs of justice, peace etc.
Like the Bishop of Washington did (I know, different church but same principle and well modelled by her imho). This is a really useful conversation as this issue has troubled me too.
I’ve just spotted she is coming to give a lecture as part a series called, ‘Here I stand’ at St Martin in the Fields this September, about standing up for one’s convictions.
Yes, very exciting. Wouldn't be able to get there in person but can see they are livestreaming too!
Me neither! It’s great they are offering both on-site and livestream options.
I don't know whether paperwork for candidates in the discernment process still has the incredibly unsubtle "are you a member of the BNP?" screening question,which used to feature on BAP forms under the old framework?!
Yes! That’s still basically a thing.
The wording is slightly different but it was clear what it meant.
