The Church of England (C of E) has responded to a Christmas carol event organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson with a 43-second video titled “Christmas Isn’t Cancelled.” The video features over 20 individuals, including senior church leaders and schoolchildren, promoting a message of inclusivity, emphasizing that Christmas belongs to everyone.
Amid rising concerns about Christian nationalism, C of E leaders, including former Archbishop Rowan Williams and Bishop Arun Arora, have cautioned against the appropriation of Christian symbols by Robinson and his supporters to further anti-migrant agendas. They stress that true Christianity is about compassion and inclusivity, countering the notion that British identity is intrinsically linked to Christian identity or whiteness.
Bishop Anderson Jeremiah pointed out the contribution of diverse immigrant communities to church congregations, arguing against the narrative that immigration is responsible for Christianity’s decline in Britain. He urged rejection of “brazen populist religious nationalism.” Multiple bishops condemned the use of Christian faith to promote exclusion or racism in a statement opposing the upcoming event.
Robinson, who has claimed to organize the event as “non-political,” has framed it as a defense of British identity and Christian heritage. Critics, including theologian Dr. Krish Kandiah, argue that his rhetoric contradicts the core Christian message, which is rooted in love and hospitality.
Alternative events and counter-protests have been organized to promote unity and counter the far-right’s divisive narrative, with musicians like Billy Bragg engaging in the resistance against Christian nationalism.
