Church of England slams Tommy Robinson for ‘exploiting’ Christmas | UK | News
The Church of England has warned Christians to resist “populist forces seeking to exploit the faith for their own political purposes” after Tommy Robinson announced a Christmas event in London. The far-right activist has called on his supporters to take part in a caroling event next weekend that aims to “put Jesus back into Christmas”. Church officials are reportedly disturbed by the number of church symbols and slogans adopted in Mr Robinson’s political campaign, with participants marching in the capital earlier this year chanting “Jesus is king” and urging passers-by to defend “God, faith, family”. [and] homeland”.
Speaking ahead of the hymn event, the Right Rev. Arun Arora, bishop of Kirkstall and the Church’s co-chairman on racial justice, called on the faithful to “resist the takeover of the Christian language and symbols by populist forces seeking to exploit the faith for their own political purposes.” The Church of England is also expected to launch a poster campaign against the use of Christian symbols in Robinson’s hardline nationalist agenda.
The posters will be displayed at bus stops across the country, featuring messages such as “Jesus was always at Christmas” and “Strangers are welcome.” Local churches were also encouraged to download the printouts and share them with congregations to combat anti-immigrant rhetoric.
More than 100,000 people attended Mr. Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march earlier this fall; This march was declared “free speech” and was attended by Elon Musk, who spoke out via video link against the so-called “awakened mind virus”.
Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, announced the upcoming carol concert earlier this month, heralding it as “a new Christian revival in the UK – a moment to reclaim and celebrate our heritage, culture and Christian identity”.
The political activist and co-founder of the English Defense League (EDL) converted to Christianity during his last prison stint, but Reverend Arun Arora argued that this conversion did not give him “the right to subvert the faith to serve his own purposes”.
“Whether in the warnings of the prophets or in the teachings of Jesus, there is a clear call to ensure justice for the weakest and most vulnerable,” he continued: Independent.
“As we approach Christmas and remember the Holy Family’s flight as refugees, we reaffirm our determination to work with others for an asylum system that is fair, compassionate and based on the dignity of being human.”
The Church Mission Society also announced a UK-wide Shine Your Light initiative coinciding with Robinson’s 13 December weekend, encouraging 200,000 Christians to sing hymns in their local communities.
Chief executive Andy Roberts said: “Shine Your Light is a great opportunity to get into our neighbourhoods, particularly to pay attention to people who are being pushed to the margins of society. “We’ve seen so much conflict at home and abroad this year and there are many reasons to be concerned about the future.
“So let’s lift up the eternal love and hope of Jesus. This is a kingdom treasure that anyone can receive. Let’s sing together to promote peace, mercy, and compassion and transform lives.”
