Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has condemned the spate of far-right violence that has been sweeping the nation, saying the rioters "defile the flag that they wrap themselves in".
The Church of England leader called out the "criminal violence" seen in many towns across the country, which has involved attacks on mosques, assaults on police officers, and looting of shops.
Archbishop Justin also talked of "manipulation" through social media and "by people abroad", which he said must be "strongly resisted" - he added that people are being used in a "ridiculous, appalling and immoral" way.
When asked what he would say to those perpetuating the violence and unrest, Archbishop Justin told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme:
"This (violence) is not the United Kingdom. It's not British. It's not English. They defile the flag that they wrap themselves in."
Calling for peace, he added that "violence and swearing in the face of police from a distance of two foot is never going to convince anyone".
The senior clergyman added: "Protest is good and is right and is fundamental to all our freedoms. But peaceful protest will have ten thousand times the impact that this violence is having.
"This violence turns people away from your cause, whatever you're protesting about, and it is just criminal violence.
"Peaceful protest, peaceful statements will convince, will change people's mind, will - at the very least - cause them to listen."
When quizzed on what he thinks is behind the unrest of the past week, Archbiship Justin said "there are a lot of reasons", noting "significant deprivation" in some areas, but adding that this "does not in any way justify this violence".
He explained: "We do need to re-look at how the benefits of our economy are shared right across everyone in need, and everyone in the country needs to gain from being one of the seven richest countries on Earth.
"I'm not saying that being marginalised, which a lot of people are in historic areas of high unemployment, justifies violence - quite the reverse. It does justify peaceful protest, and that will make people listen."
Archbishop Justin praised the "extraordinary cohesion" of those cleaning up the streets in the aftermath of riots and commended the many who are actively caring for their neighbours.
He said the Government has been "responding extremely well" through policing and clamping down through law and order, but called for "medium and long-term reflection" in the aftermath, adding that "some of our politicians will always take an opportunity to cause trouble, but that's very, very few and far between".
Archbishop Justin also united with other faith leaders in a stand against the violence, writing in an open letter to The Times:
"Sir, Over the last few days we have watched in horror as a small minority has brought hatred, violence and vandalism to towns and cities across the country. We have seen anti-Muslim hatred and the targeting of mosques; asylum seekers and refugees attacked; violence directed towards the police and private property, all of which are a stain on our national moral conscience.
"Every British citizen has a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect others, so that together we can build a cohesive and harmonious society for all.
"As faith leaders, we salute the many people who have stepped forward to repair damage and restore their neighbourhoods. We pledge to work with government and all sections of society towards a constructive and compassionate dialogue on immigration and social cohesion."
