Bishops hit out at Tommy Robinson’s ‘put Christ again into Christmas’ demo as we speak – saying Christian symbols shouldn’t be used to ‘justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric’
Bishops have expressed ‘grave concerns’ over a ‘Putting Christ back into Christmas‘ carol service organised by Tommy Robinson taking place in London today.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has invited his supporters to attend the event taking place in Whitehall later today, which he insisted was not a protest about Islam or immigration and is instead a ‘celebration’.
The anti-migrant activist and founder of the English Defence League converted to christianity while serving seven months in jail earlier this year for contempt of court and was supposedly visited by a prison chaplain three times a week.
He wrote on X that today’s service, which will begin around 3pm, is ‘a day to put Christ back into Christmas’ and will include live music, opera singers and Bible readings.
But, Robinson has reportedly told supporters via email the event is ‘a rally for our values, a beacon of hope amid the chaos of mass migration and cultural erosion that threatens our way of life’.
‘It’s a statement that Britain belongs to the British people, and our Christian heritage will not be silenced,’ the message, seen by the Guardian, added.
The event has caused controversy, with some members of the Church of England speaking out against Christian values being ‘weaponised’ by the far right.
David Walker, the bishop of Manchester, said ‘exaggerated, distorted, or occasionally fabricated’ stories about Christmas being ‘cancelled’ were designed to stoke anger and division at a time when we should be coming together.
Meanwhile, Bishops at the Diocese of Southwark directly responded to news of Robinson’s service saying ‘we are gravely concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to apparently justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric.’
Tommy Robinson”, arrives at the Putting Christ Back into Christmas gathering near Downing Street in central London on Saturday
People gather for the ‘Putting Christ Back into Christmas’ event, organised by anti-immigration activist Tommy near Downing Street, in London
A woman in costume holds a festive-themed flag with the pattern of the Union Jack on the day of the Putting Christ Back into Christmas carol event
People gather for Tommy Robinson’s Christmas carol service in Whitehall, London
In a statement, the Bishops said that Christ has always been at the heart of Christmas, adding: ‘And those who claim him need to be serious about what he stands for. The authenticity of a person’s faith may be judged by their actions.’
They said that at the heart of the Christian faith is the belief that God created all people and that he loves everyone.
The statement continued: ‘Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable, and we are gravely concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to apparently justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric.
‘We understand that there are many who may be swept up in movements like this who don’t necessarily buy in wholesale to what is being said.
‘We would encourage them to think again, to consider what kind of world they want to be a 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 that we are better than this.’
The Church of England has also put out a 43 second video on its YouTube channel, titled Christmas Isn’t Cancelled, in which several church leaders dispelled the idea that ‘the joy of Christmas is under threat’.
‘In every church, in every parish, in every cathedral, in every corner of the country you will find a story of hope, joy and love,’ the video says.
People dressed as the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph during the ‘Christ in the Stranger’ counter-demonstration in response to Tommy Robinson’s ‘put Christ back into Christmas’ carol service in London today
People hold a banner during the Christ in the Stranger counter-demonstration in London today
People attend the Christ in the Stranger counter-demonstration in response to the ‘Putting Christ Back into Christmas’ gathering organised by Tommy Robinson
People hold a sign saying Jesus was a refugee during the Christ in the Stranger counter-demonstration
In a video shared on X discussing the Unite The Kingdom service, Robinson said the event is ‘not a political protest’.
‘We are having a great day of music, of festive coming together, of community, of Bible readings in central London,’ he said.
Robinson wrote on X: ‘I want this to be a day we all enjoy, a moment to breathe, to celebrate, and to stand together as Christians.’
Rev Dr Helen Paynter, director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, said: ‘The message of rescuing Christmas that (Robinson) is putting out is entirely consistent with his previous messaging that we need to recover our Judeo-Christian heritage.’
Rev Dr Paynter added: ‘I and many others who have been watching the unfolding situation over the last few years have good reason to distrust the intentions which lie behind this carol event, whatever plausible gloss is put upon it.’
The service on Saturday will take place outside Downing Street in Central London.
A counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism and Care4Calais is also taking place in Whitehall on Saturday.
