The British Democratic Alliance believes that respect for faith and culture must be rooted in honesty — not in hollow gestures.
When political leaders step into churches, synagogues, or mosques purely for the cameras, wearing the symbols of faith they do not share, it becomes theatre. It is performance politics, designed to harvest headlines rather than build trust. This is not solidarity — it is opportunism.
True respect means recognising the right of every person to practice their faith freely, without pretending to share those beliefs. As atheists, humanists, or members of other traditions, we will not walk into a house of worship in order to mimic what we do not believe. To do so would be dishonest and, in its own way, insulting to the faithful.
Instead, we stand for genuine solidarity:
- Protecting freedom of religion and belief in law.
- Ensuring communities are safe from hate and violence.
- Engaging in dialogue openly, without costume or pretense.
- Delivering support in action, not in photo opportunities.
Believers and non-believers alike deserve leaders who live by consistent standards. Respect without hypocrisy is stronger than staged piety.
Our politicians role is not to play-act at altars, but to safeguard the freedom, dignity, and safety of every community.
That is the ethical foundation of the BDA.
