In response to reports that far-right activist Tommy Robinson is to host a ‘Unite the Kingdom’ carol service in London this weekend, the Bishops of the Diocese of Southwark have spoken out against the use of Christian symbols and language to justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric.
This Christmas season, The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, The Bishop of Croydon, The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, The Bishop of Kingston, The Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough and The Bishop of Woolwich, The Rt Revd Alastair Cutting have called for Christians to choose compassion and understanding over hostility and conflict.
The full statement is below:
Christ has always been at the heart of Christmas – and those who claim him need to be serious about what he stands for. The authenticity of a person’s faith may be judged by their actions.
As we approach the season of Christmas, the Church prepares to celebrate the birth of a child born in the Middle East to be the saviour of the whole world. A child who, with his parents, became a refugee, fleeing those who would do them harm.
At the heart of the Christian faith is the belief that God has created all people – and that he loves everyone. The cross of Christ is the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other. Jesus calls us to love not just those whom we like or agree with or who look like us – but to love our enemies and welcome the stranger. Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable, and we are gravely concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to apparently justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric.
We understand that there are many who may be swept-up in movements like this who don’t necessarily buy-in wholesale to what is being said. We would encourage them to think again, to consider what kind of world they want to be a part of – and to choose compassion and understanding over hostility and conflict.
Within the Diocese of Southwark, we recently met with clergy and have been reflecting on these events with prayerful concern through a series of meetings. We’re planning to develop practical resources to help people respond to these issues, as we seek to live out our calling of being Christ centred and outward-focused.
We are proud of our nation and our communities – and we know that we are better than this.
We call upon all Christians to commit themselves afresh to work with others in building a more United Kingdom, where the values of love, humility and compassion shine through in every community. Let’s do so unapologetically in the name of Jesus Christ.
