The Mayor of London has told Premier Christian News how deeply appreciative he is of the Christian community, especially at Christmas time.
Sadiq Khan, himself a practising Muslim, said he was "humbled" by the church's charitable work and praised the Christian community for their "huge and invaluable contribution" to the capital city.
You can read our full interview with Mayor Khan below:
What does Christmas mean for you?
Mayor Khan: "I love Christmas and London is one of the best places in the world to celebrate it. Our diversity is our city’s greatest strength and the best thing about this time of year is that it brings Londoners of all faiths and backgrounds together. The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is a poignant reminder that even in the most difficult of times, hope springs eternal. We are encouraged to join together with our families and communities to share food, song, and celebrations. We give thanks for all we have, and we give to those less fortunate than ourselves. We embrace hope and the opportunity for redemption, renewal and forgiveness. Regardless of faith, these values represent the very best of London."
How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
Mayor Khan: "London is a very special place at Christmas and it’s a great time of year to visit the capital and get into the festive spirit. For me, the celebrations begin with the lighting of the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square followed by the switch-on of the lights that illuminate our world-famous shopping streets. It’s a fantastic spectacle and a reminder that Christmas is the fulfilment of the promise to bring light to the world. From early December until Christmas Eve, Trafalgar Square hosts traditional carol singing. Different choirs perform every day, raising money for charities and filling the Square with joy, song and festive cheer.
"I love a good sing-a-long and there’s nothing like a rousing rendition of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ to put me in the Christmas spirit. Here in London we are privileged to have some of the most beautiful churches in the world, and each year I hold a Christmas Carol service in the glorious Southwark Cathedral. This year the service’s central theme was new beginnings and renewed hope, something we can all embrace as we look towards a brighter, more opportune, future for all Londoners."
How has London benefitted from the Christian community this past year?
Mayor Khan: "As well as being welcoming places for worship, churches and faith communities across the capital provide vital services for many Londoners. Our Christian communities work tirelessly to help those struggling with the rising cost of living and I would like to share my thanks for all of their work throughout this past year. Many provide food banks for those in need, warm spaces when the temperature drops, and cool spaces for refuge in the summer.
"Faith groups also run projects which aid social cohesion and provide services and support for young people. City Hall has funded advice centres to work in partnership with churches to reach Londoners in need. For example, London Citizens Advice offer training to help local faith and community leaders identify if someone needs advice, and signpost people to local support through their “Advice First Aid” programme.
"I am particularly humbled by the community meals that churches and faith groups provide throughout the year. These give people the opportunity to have a nutritious meal, in a warm, safe and social environment. We know this is especially important at Christmas time when many are struggling with the cost of living, loneliness and isolation.
"This year our Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, volunteered with congregants at Kings Church, Catford, to serve a weekly community meal known as ‘The Feast’. This work is part of the church’s Jericho Road Project and means community members in Catford have been able to enjoy a free, hot, three-course meal each Wednesday evening for more than 20 years."
Is there a particular Christian group or project that has been particularly inspiring in London?
Mayor Khan: "I’m inspired by the way Christian groups, faith leaders and churches across London have taken a stand against air pollution and are helping to tackle climate change. We hosted the launch of the expansion of the London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone scheme at St Laurence Church in Catford. The vicar, Rev Canon Charles Pickstone, is passionate about the importance of faith leaders helping to raise awareness of environmental issues and welcomed us with open arms. They have also received funding from City Hall’s London Community Energy Fund to install a heat pump in the church, which is apparently quite a popular attraction for the congregation!
"It’s very clear how much Christian groups care about the environmental crisis that we are facing, and I am proud that so many are taking action with us. For example, a representative from the Diocese of London recently attended a Climate Community Engagement workshop organised by City Hall to explain the “Eco Church” initiative.
"The Eco Church scheme, delivered in partnership with the Christian charity A Rocha UK, is helping to engage church leaders and their congregations to raise awareness of climate change and drive behaviour change. The scheme helps places of worship to identify action they can take to help tackle the climate crisis and measure the progress they are making. I’m delighted that more than half of churches in the Diocese of London have now signed up."
What's your message to the Christian community moving into 2025 in how they can better serve London?
Mayor Khan: "Over many decades, Christian churches, places of worship and people of Christian faith have made a huge and invaluable contribution to our city – from distributing food to those in need, helping the homeless, raising awareness about climate change to playing an essential role in the rollout of the COVID-19 jab. There are countless examples of how people of Christian faith put their values into practice. Our Christian community represents the very best of London, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for all that you do.
"At a time of growing global divisions, our city's Christian community plays a key role in showing the rest of the world that here in London we don’t just respect and tolerate our differences, we celebrate them. As Mayor, I will continue to do all I can to extend the hand of friendship to our capital’s Christian community, to make sure they are always valued, held in the highest esteem and made to feel safe, and to ensure London remains a welcoming place to people of Christian faith from around the world. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas."
