Christian Party to carry “We love the BNP” posters during general election.

 

Debating with British National Party leader Nick Griffen, the Rev. George Hargreaves, the black leader of the Christian Party, has had what might turn out to be the most interesting televised debate of the UK general election. The BNP until recently had a white’s only membership policy which they were forced to change to avoid being shut down by the courts. They are hostile to Islam, and outspoken against multiculturalism. As they are at the front of UK cultural war they are of interest to this blog.

The debate never once broke down into the insults and booing which the BNP are accustomed too receiving, in fact at times the two leaders spoke warmly towards each other. Hargreaves even apologised to Griffen for negative campaigning against the BNP and promised to run a “We love the BNP” poster campaign during the election. Griffen appeared genuinely moved by the apology.

Filmed by independent Christian channel, “Revelation TV,” the stated desire of the channel to be “Christian” to Griffen meant that for some perhaps, the opportunity to really call him out on some of his more insidious policies was lost. Allowing Griffen to appear human is not politically correct, and the demonstration outside the studio shows the strength of feeling he can arouse.

Nevertheless, the current methodology of haranguing him like a pantomime villain whenever he speaks has not lessened public support for his party. In this debate Griffen skilfully communicated his policies, and this provided the best opportunity to expose them for the evil that they are. Sadly, I don’t think Hargreaves achieved this because he appeared almost too charitable. Nevertheless, at least it demonstrates the potential of this style of discussion. A dose of Christian “love your enemies” might be the spirit that the mainstream media needs to follow. The debate can be viewed here.