Church of England to debate banning clergy joining BNP
The Church of England will today debate draft legislation paving the way for a ban on clergy joining the far-right British National Party.
Members of the General Synod will be asked to approve an amendment to the Clergy Discipline Measure making it "unbecoming" or "inappropriate" conduct for clergy to be members of, or express support for, a political party with policies and activities declared incompatible with Church teaching on race equality.
The ban was backed two years ago by the General Synod, the Church's national assembly, after a motion was brought by Metropolitan Police civilian worker Vasantha Gnanadoss, who is a member of the General Synod.
She received support from former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
The Church of England will also be addressed by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu and will debate new proposals for the setting of fees for weddings and funerals.
