Tommy Robinson to hold Unite the Kingdom ‘Christmas service’ as police brace for protests – live

A senior Church of England bishop has hit out at false claims that “Christmas has been cancelled” and criticized those trying to politicize Christianity ahead of a caroling event organized by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, called on supporters of the UK movement to “put Jesus back into Christmas” at an open house in Whitehall this Saturday.

In a significant intervention, the Right Rev. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, said it was “offensive” that people were “appropriating this great Christian festival of light, triumphing over darkness, as support for an obscure culture war”.

writing for IndependentDr Walker said: “Every year we encounter a rather strange tradition: the familiar allegations that someone somewhere is trying to ‘ban’ Christmas.”

Bishops in the Diocese of Southwark said they were “gravely concerned” about the use of Christian symbols to “justify racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric” ahead of a planned Tommy Robinson chantry service in central London.

In a statement, they said Jesus has always been at the heart of Christmas, adding: “And those who claim to be Him need to be serious about what He represents.

“The truth of a person’s faith can be judged by his actions.”

They said that the basis of the Christian faith is the belief that God created all people and that He loves everyone.

The statement continued: “Any appropriation or corruption of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable, and we are seriously concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to openly legitimize racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

“We understand that there are many people who do not buy in bulk based on what is said and who may be led into actions like this.

“We encourage them to think again, to think about what kind of world they want to be part of, and to choose compassion and understanding over hostility and conflict.”

They added: “We are proud of our nation and our communities, and we know we are better than that.”

Tommy Robinson is holding a ‘Unite the Kingdom’ event in Whitehall, described as a Christmas Carol service.

The “Putting Jesus Back in Christmas” service takes place outside Downing Street from 2pm, with music and readings from 3pm.

Organizers say the meeting, which will include live music and opera singers, will be a peaceful and festive gathering and not a political protest.