A group of prominent church leaders have united to denounce the misuse of Christian symbols at a recent far-right gathering led by Tommy Robinson in London. In a public statement obtained by the Mirror, bishops and Christian figures expressed alarm over the appropriation of Christian icons, particularly the cross, during the “Unite the Kingdom” rally that took place last Saturday.
The display of wooden crosses and religious images on flags by attendees caused distress and unease among spectators, with concerns raised about the rally’s inclusion of racist, anti-Muslim, and extremist elements. The joint declaration emphasized the importance of upholding the true principles of Christianity, highlighting the message of love, compassion, and inclusion promoted by Jesus Christ.
Signed by several high-ranking church officials, including bishops from various dioceses and leaders of prominent Christian organizations, the letter reaffirmed the commitment to promoting unity, love, and humility in the United Kingdom, rejecting any efforts to distort or exclude others in the name of Christianity.
Brendan Cox, Co-founder of the Together Coalition, praised the diversity of signatories on the letter, underscoring the strong condemnation of using religion as a tool for extremist ideologies. The collective stance taken by these Christian leaders reflects a shared dedication to upholding the core values of their faith and fostering a society built on compassion and understanding.
The statement also acknowledged the complex motivations behind the rally while urging for respectful dialogue and a concerted effort to address underlying societal issues such as poverty and inequality. By standing together against the misappropriation of Christianity, the signatories affirmed their commitment to promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society in the spirit of Jesus Christ.