A METHODIST minister has launched a scathing attack on the BNP which he has accused of "malicious scaremongering" after a leaflet campaign in the town.

The Rev Richard Atkinson has accused the right-wing party of exploiting situations to bring home their message of racial intolerance.

And he has urged his flock to contemplate their Christian response and "reflect with the eyes of faith on the big issues of the day."

Writing in the magazine of Trinity Methodist Church, Clitheroe, the Trinity Bugle, Mr Atkinson said that after the success of the BNP in Burnley and Blackburn he felt there was a need to "stand up and speak out against that which is wrong, which is evil."

In response, a BNP spokesman has accused Mr Atkinson, and the church as a whole, of being out of touch with what is happening in society.

Mr Atkinson said: "The BNP seeks to exploit situations to bring home their message of racial intolerance.

"Emotive issues are played to the full and reality is often abandoned in their quest for popularity.

"There is an importance in assessing what they are saying and exposing the inherent falsehood.

"Equally, there is a continuing need for us to reflect with the eyes of faith on the big issues of the day."

Mr Atkinson said the BNP approach to asylum seekers would amount to an act of "political barbarism"

He said: "As a supposedly civilised country we cannot afford to turn our back on the genuine cries for help."

Simon Bennett, the BNP's spokesman, said: "This is very much over the top.

"It reflects how out of touch the church is and shows why church attendances are dwindling.

"It appears this reverend is stepping outside his usual sector.

"He is entitled to his beliefs but it is clear his political affiliations are not with us.

"The BNP does not scaremonger. We address situations which are important to people in society.

"The reverend is scaremongering himself."