The Bishops of the Diocese of Southwark have issued the following statement:
We are aware that some members of the ‘Patriot Platform’ movement have been attending worship at one of the churches in our diocese. Concerns have been raised with us about the language and actions of this group and how they are proclaiming the Christian faith in association with anti-migrant rhetoric.
Each week churches across our diocese welcome through their doors people of all ethnicities, backgrounds, political and ideological perspectives. We believe that the gospel is for everyone – that we all need God and that those who seek him in faith will find him. Nevertheless, we – alongside the leadership of the church in question – deplore any kind of violent or menacing behaviour, behaviour which is contrary to the law, or which denies the dignity and rights of others. We find in the Bible no grounds for the justification of Christian nationalism. Welcoming people through our doors does not mean condoning their actions or agreeing with all their views. But we do believe in the transforming power of the gospel to change and to heal us and we continue to preach the gospel to that end.
Southwark Diocese has a long-held commitment to the tough work of anti-racism, to interfaith cooperation and to advocacy for the marginalised and oppressed. We remain committed to the inclusion and flourishing of all people – and the focus of our worship will always be the God who has revealed himself in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett
Acting Bishop of Southwark & Bishop of Croydon
The Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough
Bishop of Kingston
The Rt Revd Alastair Cutting
Bishop of Woolwich
