Former Archbishop of Canterbury, bishops, clergy, and lay people joined together on Friday, November 7th, to speak out against the rising narrative of Christian nationalism in the UK. Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, a prayer walk was held in London’s Hyde Park, with stops at various sites that symbolize the contributions of immigrants to British society.
Among the locations visited was the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, which commemorates the soldiers from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, the Caribbean, and other Commonwealth countries who lost their lives in World War II. At this site, attendees held up a large cross made of woven red poppies and roses as a sign of respect and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The cross, when held in front of the square, white memorial stone, formed the shape of a St George’s flag, representing a sign of inclusivity and respect for how these soldiers have shaped the Britain we know today.
Holly-Anna Petersen, an attendee of the prayer walk, stated: “The act of creating the St George’s flag in this way was done to reclaim the flag as an inclusive symbol for Britain, and to ensure that, as a Christian emblem, it reflects the Christian principle of loving thy neighbour.”
Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, was not able to attend the prayer walk but shared a statement speaking out against Christian nationalism: “It is more than time to challenge the story that every migrant approaching our shores is an unfriendly alien with unintelligible and hostile values. It is essential for us to see, not enemy invaders, but vulnerable people like us, committed to finding safety for themselves and those they love. It is the height of injustice to hold communities responsible for the crimes of individuals and to market lazy, hurtful stereotypes.”
The prayer walk was organized by a newly formed group called Christians for a Welcoming Britain, which includes members from various UK Christian denominations. This grassroots group seeks to highlight that Christian values are those of welcome and loving our neighbour.
During the prayer walk, attendees also reflected on the growing inequality in the UK, with the wealth gap widening and many struggling to make ends meet. Revd Helen Burnett, a vicar in the Southwark Diocese, stated: “A small number of mega-rich people are amassing ever-increasing fortunes, which is draining the country, leaving everyday people struggling to make ends meet. It’s immoral that we are seeing migrants used as scapegoats for this and being blamed for the lack of public funds resulting from years of deliberate austerity. Asylum seekers did not create this crisis; their plight has been manipulated to vilify them, when the fact is that they are struggling for a decent life like everyone else.”
Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, commented: “Without Christ’s unconditional love, the cross is merely an instrument of violence. By dying on the cross, Jesus transformed it from a means of death into an ultimate symbol of love. To use this symbol to spread hate and alienate people is to crucify Christ’s message all over again.”
Bishop of Kingston, Rt Revd Martin Gainsborough, added: “The God that I believe in leads me to celebrate the rich diversity of our nation, indeed of all creation. The Church imagines a variegated, interdependent body, where the suffering of one is the suffering of all. There is much more we need to do as a society to tackle inequality and a sense, for far too many, of being left behind. Meanwhile, I am proud to stand with all those who believe in this generous, hospitable vision where all are welcome and where we commit to the flourishing of all.”
Bishop of Reading, Rt Revd Mary Gregory, also shared her thoughts, stating: “Jesus spoke for the vulnerable and the marginalized, those at the edges of society. He was a voice for the poor, for those unable to speak for themselves. As Christians, we are called to follow this example, to welcome everyone with love, and to help those in need. The cross is the symbol of this kind of welcoming, reconciling love. It stands for the embrace of the God of love to a world that is broken and hurting, bringing together what has been held apart. It cannot be, must not be, distorted into a symbol of exclusion and hate. On today’s walk, the cross reclaims its rightful identity as a sign of love and rescue.”
The Venerable Jonathan Croucher, Archdeacon of Chelmsford, added: “Uniting with people of goodwill, we want to offer calm voices, care, and wisdom in seeking to protect and sustain cohesion in our communities, in all their wonderful diversity, prayerfully speaking grace and peace into confrontations which too often have become violent and divisive.”
Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Dr Rosemary Mallett, also spoke out on the issue, stating
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