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Images of the cross were plentiful in the streets of central London on Saturday 13 September, with loud calls for a Christian revival. Yet the message of Britain’s biggest far-right march and rally, which drew an estimated 110,000-150,000 people, was far removed from that of God’s inclusive love for humankind. Though not everyone who took part was an extremist, speeches fuelled racism and hatred and violence flared up. I was part of a far smaller counter-demonstration. This has become a far more hostile country in recent years to people like me.
Many Christian leaders warned against the misuse of symbols of faith. Some who joined felt “a deep sense of frustration at feeling unheard and forgotten,” they wrote. “We know that we cannot heal this wound unless the Church, and society as a whole rises to do more to address the issues of poverty, inequality and exclusion.” But “The cross is the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other. Jesus calls us to love both our neighbours and our enemies and to welcome the stranger. Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable.” Some went further, including in Bishop of Kirkstall Arun Arora’s call to “reclaim both the flag and the faith” and avoid false neutrality.
More broadly, equity and human rights are under attack. I suggest that what might be practical and effective differs for each person. But collectively, we should defend and support those worst hit; seek to change hearts and minds; and offer an alternative vision, of solidarity in building a more thriving, caring and just nation, instead of fighting over scraps at power-hungry millionaires’ bidding.
Activities may include sharing and developing resources and skills and mutual support. Key biblical themes include God’s image in everyone; perils of injustice; outsider as gift-bringer; and resurrection hope.
Savitri (Savi) Hensman is a British Sri Lankan lesbian, long active in the anti-racist movement and other struggles for equality and human rights. She is a former trustee of Inclusive Church, who represented OneBodyOneFaith (then known as LGCM), as well as being the lead on economic inclusion.
[Original Artwork from Nifty Noppen]