Through a new initiative, the Anglican Church is set to launch a prominent advertising drive. This action aims to challenge the anti-immigration rhetoric associated with Tommy Robinson, whose "Unite the Kingdom" organisation has encouraged followers to join a festive singing gathering to "put the Christ back into Christmas".
A Campaign of Welcome
The displays, to be placed at public transport hubs, display the clear phrases: "Christ has always been in Christmas" and "All are invited". These materials will further be available for local churches to download and display during the holidays.
"It is vital to challenge and oppose the co-opting of the language and imagery of faith by political movements attempting to manipulate the religion for their own agendas," said Bishop Arun Arora.
Growing Unease
The Anglican initiative is set against a backdrop of increasing concern among clerics over the growth of faith-based nationalism and the appropriation of religious imagery to bolster far-right ideologies. During a rally staged by Unite the Kingdom, there was a significant use of wooden crosses and cries of "Christ is king".
Plans for a Protest
Earlier this month, Yaxley-Lennon publicised a Christmas carol event at an undesclosed site in central London, calling it the start of "a new Christian revival" in the UK. As a reaction, some Christian activists are planning a protest action to demonstrate against the divisive ideologies of the organisers.
Wider Religious Pushback
The C of E's action forms part of a larger initiative from multiple churches. A coalition comprising the Baptist, Methodist, and United Reformed churches is providing a "quick guide" for local churches to deal with the challenges of political appropriation and the use of faith-based talk for a nationalist agenda.
Bishop Arora also stated that while Robinson's much-publicised religious turn was welcome, it did not grant a right to distort the religion for ideological goals. "Any religious institution that remained silent risks being diminished," he advised.
"During Christmas and remember the Holy Family's own status as displaced persons, we assert our pledge to stand alongside others for an refugee policy that is just, merciful, and based in the fundamental value of human life."
Prior Unity
After a earlier march, ecumenical representatives published an joint statement declaring that "the manipulation or misuse of the Christianity to exclude others is unacceptable". Signatories featured bishops from various church traditions across the UK.