A coalition of senior church leaders has united to denounce the misappropriation of Christian symbols during the recent far-right rally led by Tommy Robinson in London. Expressing their concerns in a public letter, the group, including bishops and Christian figures, voiced distress over the utilization of Christian icons, notably the cross, at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ event, which caused unease and fear among many observers.
The demonstrators were seen displaying wooden crosses and images of Christ on flags, prompting the church leaders to address the rally’s inclusion of racist, anti-Muslim, and far-right elements. Despite acknowledging the diverse motivations behind the march and the importance of free speech, the clerics emphasized their stand against the exploitation of Christianity to exclude others, stating that the essence of the cross symbolizes sacrifice and love for all, including neighbors and enemies.
The signatories, including prominent figures from various Christian denominations, emphasized their commitment to upholding the values of love, humility, and compassion in building a more unified United Kingdom. The letter was endorsed by notable personalities such as Former Archbishop of Canterbury the Rt Revd Dr Rowan Williams, bishops from Winchester, Southwark, Manchester, Bradford, and Croydon, as well as leaders from Methodist, Baptist, and Evangelical churches, among others.
Brendan Cox, Co-founder of the Together Coalition, praised the collective effort, describing it as a strong message from a broad spectrum of the UK’s Christian community against the exploitation of their faith by extremist groups. The leaders reiterated their dedication to working with others to foster unity and inclusivity, echoing Jesus Christ’s message of love and acceptance for all.