CHURCH leaders in the region have joined together to urge voters not to back the British National Party (BNP).
The BNP is fielding a candidate in the forthcoming Newcastle City Council by-election in Walker.
The Reverend Leo Osborn, chairman of the Newcastle district of the Methodist Church, Reverend Peter Poulter, moderator of the United Reformed Church, Northern Synod, and the Right Reverend Martin Wharton, Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, have written an open letter to the media to voice concerns.
"Central to the Christian message is the call to care for people who are overlooked and pushed to the margins of society," it said.
"It is our hope and prayer that everyone will use their vote wisely and that we may elect local councils whose undivided concern will be the building up of a just and inclusive society."
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