The BNP constitution states that it "stands for the preservation of the national and ethnic character of the British people and is wholly opposed to any form of racial integration". The BNP has 47 local councillors across the country, including 12 in Barking and Dagenham and 6 in Epping Forest District. The Bishop has been working with churches and others across London and Essex to respond to the BNP. A joint paper between the Bishop and the Churches Racial Justice Network articulates a strong and informed response to racist politics, "based on the Christian belief that all people are created as ONE race, the human race."

Clergy across London have joined the bishop in urging Londoners not to vote BNP in the coming elections. The Diocese of Southwark’s synod has mandated all churches "to ensure respect for all citizens is part of the contribution made by churches to local dialogue".

Parish priests in Bethnal Green, Walthamstow, Ilford, Hackney, Islington and elsewhere have also supported the Bishop’s call for people to vote for ONE human race. Fr Alan Green Vicar of St John’s Bethnal Green said, “I rejoice in the rich cultural diversity of our community. I hope people of faith will vote for those who are committed to London remaining a city where many cultures work together for the common good.”

Other church leaders across the UK have also been urging the faithful to vote for parties which are not racist. In Birmingham, church and other faith leaders are on record for having said, "Voting for or supporting a political party that offers racist policies is like spitting in the face of God".

The Bishop of Barking issued a statement which was read out in churches yesterday. In the statement he says, “Each vote for the BNP will put into reverse the patient, strategic work of healthy, race relations and social integration that is developing in our London Boroughs, Essex and elsewhere in the country.  We are members of one human race.  We must vote for it the ballot box on 1st May.

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Street pastors are helping to reduce rowdy behaviour and late-night problems across Essex. Chelmsford is the latest town to introduce a street pastor scheme, joining Southend, Romford and Colchester.

An estimated 15,000 revellers take to the streets of Chelmsford on a Friday and Saturday night. 24 street pastors have been recuited to cover the period from 10 pm to 4am. The volunteers go out in uniforms and in teams of four.

The scheme is Christian based but designed to offer support and advice to late night revellers. The role is not about preaching but caring, listening and helping.

Launching the Chelmsford street pastors scheme at the civic centre, Revd Hugh Dibbens said: "If you are too drunk to find your way home, the street pastors will get you into a licensed taxi or if you have lost your shoes on the dance floor they will provide you with flip flops. 

"Our contribution to a widely perceived challenge has come directly out of our Christian commitment.  We are there to encourage a culture of respect for others, the police, other people and property by demonstrating our respect for the young people themselves even when they are drunk,drugged or abusive. 

"We are all of equal status as made in the image of God Himself even when that image is heavily disguised.  We want to communicate trust by being available to listen and give time. We hoped that parents will sleep more easily knowing that the Church is out there for their kids. 

"We think that our contribution is prayer for the town and all involved on the night economy, not only revellers but the police and the door staff."

As the first volunteers went out on the streets  they received the good news that Chelmsford Borough Council had awarded a further £10,000 in funding.