{"id":1343,"date":"2025-12-07T10:03:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T10:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=1343"},"modified":"2025-12-07T10:03:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T10:03:39","slug":"c-of-e-to-challenge-tommy-robinsons-put-christ-back-into-christmas-message-christianity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=1343","title":{"rendered":"C of E to challenge Tommy Robinson\u2019s \u2018put Christ back into Christmas\u2019 message | Christianity"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Church of England is to launch a poster campaign aimed at challenging the anti-migrant message of Tommy Robinson<\/a>, whose \u201cUnite the Kingdom\u201d movement has urged its supporters to join a carols event next weekend to \u201cput the Christ back into Christmas\u201d.<\/p>\n

The posters, which will go on display at bus stops, say \u201cChrist has always been in Christmas\u201d and \u201cOutsiders welcome\u201d. They will also be available for local churches to download and display over the festive period.<\/p>\n

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The C of E\u2019s decision to challenge Robinson\u2019s extreme rightwing stance comes amid growing unease among church leaders about the rise of Christian nationalism and the appropriation of Christian symbols to bolster the views of his supporters.<\/p>\n

At a march organised by Unite the Kingdom in September there was a significant presence of Christian symbols<\/a>, including wooden crosses and flags bearing Christian slogans, as well as chants of \u201cChrist is king\u201d and calls to defend \u201cGod, faith, family, homeland\u201d.<\/p>\n

Last week, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, announced next weekend\u2019s Christmas carol event at an undisclosed outdoor venue in central London. It would mark the beginning of \u201ca new Christian revival in the UK \u2013 a moment to reclaim and celebrate our heritage, culture and Christian identity\u201d.<\/p>\n

Some Christian activists are planning a counter-event to protest at the far-right views of those organising the carol service.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Last week, Robinson announced next weekend\u2019s Christmas carol event at an undisclosed outdoor venue in central London. <\/span> Photograph: Ben Whitley\/PA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The C of E posters are part of a wider response to Robinson and Unite the Kingdom from a number of churches. The Joint Public Issues Team, a partnership between the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist church and the United Reformed church is offering a \u201crapid response resource\u201d<\/a> for local churches trying to \u201cnavigate the complexities\u201d of Christian nationalism and the \u201cco-option of Christian language and symbols \u2013 including Christmas \u2013 for a nationalist agenda\u201d.<\/p>\n

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