More than a thousand Christians have marched together against Christian nationalism and the far-right's use of Britain’s “Christian heritage” to justify racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
The group was part of a wider event, called The Together March, which had over two hundred civil society organisations taking part in the march in central London.
The Christian bloc was made up more than 20 Christian organisations including Better Story, Christians for a Welcoming Britain, Oasis Church Waterloo, Red Letter Christians and Christian Climate Action among others, marching together, to show that the Christian message is one of God’s love for all.
The Christians marched alongside people of other faiths, including many Muslim groups who are finding themselves victims of Islamophobia and Jewish groups victims of antisemitism.
Before the march the Christians held a service at Oasis Church Waterloo where the Bishop of Croydon, Rt Rev Rosemarie Mallet and Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Rev Anderson Jeremiah, led prayers.
Bishop Rosemarie said: “The Diocese of Southwark stands with all people of goodwill who seek to build diverse and inclusive communities. We are proud to support the Together Alliance March in central London. As witnesses to Christ’s love which is at the heart of our Christian faith, we are committed to building bridges rather than barriers and to living out Jesus’ command to love our neighbours.”
Poppy Sharpe, co-ordinator of Better Story said: “Christians have turned up to today to show that Jesus’ message is about love for all; love of neighbours and love of enemies. Christianity and the far-right are fundamentally incompatible. I am really encouraged to see so many Christians supporting this message and I want people to understand what the teachings of Jesus are really about.”
Holly-Anna Petersen, a member of Christians for a Welcoming Britain said: “The Christian faith is being hijacked and weaponised by people trying to spread hate and division. Nothing is further from the teachings of Jesus. The Together March is an opportunity to put the commandment to love our neighbours into action. People of different backgrounds and nationalities are standing side by side against those set on spreading hatred.”