Is this good theology or just PC theocracy?
First of all, it is very good theology. Second, since the British Methodists are not an established Church - that would be the Church of England - the word "theocracy" has no place here.
The author of the piece does ask a legitimate question, however:
Should the U.S. Catholic Church prohibit its members (including Sen. Edward Kennedy) from joining the Democratic Party, because of its support for legal abortion? Should the United Methodist Church preclude its members (including George W. Bush) from joining the Republican Party, because of its support for Bush's doctrine of preemptive war?
The issue, however, is one od denominational practice, rather than political ideology. Different denominations would draw different lines on acceptable public advocacy, one supposes. While the article makes clear that BNP members would not be barred from attending Methodist worship services, for very good reasons, it is also clear that by joining a party rooted in hatred of other human beings, there is a direct conflict with the Gospel inherent in publicly aligning oneself with such a group.
As to the abortion issue and Democratic politicians, I can only say that if the Roman Catholic Church seeks to excommunicate those who are pro-choice, then it would also have to deal with the pro-war, pro-death penalty crowd. Shoot, it might as well go through the wallets and purses of folks coming to mass to check for conception control. Compared to its public stance on abortion, the issues of war and state-sanctioned murder in the form of capital punishment are far more important, and of a far longer-standing interest to the Roman Catholic Church than abortion. Yet, if it chooses to behave this way, it needs to face the very real possibility that its membership would decline.
There are always trade-offs, but the British Methodists have declared that some practices in their country are not in keeping with the message of grace. Good for them.
