Reform UK has hit back at comments from former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who suggested Nigel Farage was using Christianity to “channel anti-Muslim feeling” in British society.
In an interview with New Humanist, Williams spoke on the rise of Christian nationalism. He said: “I suspect really that Farage and others want to channel anti-Muslim feeling, and it helps to have “we’re a Christian society” to fling back. It gives a sort of ballast.”
A party source has told Premier Christian News that “Mr Williams’ comments are tasteless drivel”.
Speaking to Humanist UK chief executive Andrew Copson, the former Archbishop questioned the appointment of Dr James Orr, a Cambridge philosophy of religion professor, as head of policy.
He said: “Although Nigel Farage thought it was worth getting a theologian on board for Reform UK, I don’t think he lies awake at night thinking about his soul. I may be doing the man an injustice, but I don’t believe he cares about profound theological questions.”
Williams pointed to “anxiety about migration” and “anti-Islamism” as possible reasons for the linking of Christianity and nationalist politics, which culminated in “the very simple search for someone to blame".
At Easter, Farage posted a social media message which said: “The Christian values on which our country is built are something to be proud of.” In May, he also spoke about the “resurgence of Christianity” with the senior pastor of Bread of Life Community Church in his constituency.
There has been debate about the link between Reform UK’s policies and Christianity. Zia Yusuf, home affairs spokesperson and a Muslim, has pledged to “restore Britain’s Christian heritage” which he said was under threat from mass immigration from “low-trust societies”; this would be done by preventing churches from being turned into mosques and putting the faith at the heart of a “patriotic curriculum”.
Some Christians have struggled to square its anti-immigration and asylum stance with teachings on welcoming the stranger and helping those in need.