London: Large Christian bloc joins march against far right

'Jesus would be on this march'

Source: Better Story/ICN

As the far-right uses Britain's 'Christian heritage' to justify racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, today, 28th March, several thousand Christians marched together against Christian nationalism as part of the half-million strong Together March through central London.

The Christian bloc was made up more than 20 Christian organisations including Better Story, Christians for a Welcoming Britain, Oasis Church Waterloo, Red Letter Christians and Christian Climate Action among others, marching together, to show that the Christian message is one of God's love for all. The Christians marched alongside people of other faiths, including many Muslim and Jewish groups.

Before the march the Christians held a service at Oasis Church Waterloo where the Bishop of Croydon, Rt Rev Rosemarie Mallet and Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Rev Anderson Jeremiah, led prayers. It was a joyful, family friendly event, with music, live entertainment and activities for children.

Speaking at the service the Rt Rev Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon said: "The Diocese of Southwark stands with all people of goodwill who seek to build diverse and inclusive communities. We are proud to support the Together Alliance March in central London. As witnesses to Christ's love which is at the heart of our Christian faith, we are committed to building bridges rather than barriers and to living out Jesus' command to love our neighbours."

Poppy Sharpe, co-ordinator of Better Story said: "Christians have turned up to today to show that Jesus' message is about love for all; love of neighbours and love of enemies. Christianity and the far-right are fundamentally incompatible. I am really encouraged to see so many Christians supporting this message and I want people to understand what the teachings of Jesus are really about."

Holly-Anna Petersen, a member of Christians for a Welcoming Britain said: "The Christian faith is being hijacked and weaponised by people trying to spread hate and division. Nothing is further from the teachings of Jesus. The Together March is an opportunity to put the commandment to love our neighbours into action. People of different backgrounds and nationalities are standing side by side against those set on spreading hatred."

Melanie Nazareth, from Christian Climate Action, said: "Its really important that we get our faith voices out there. Our Catholic voices. So that people know what our faith is about. Today is a day to seize back our faith from those who would co-opt it and use it in the service of hatred. Jesus told us to love one another - not to hate. to love our enemies. to welcome the stranger."

Fr Joe Ryan, from Westminster RC Diocese Justice and peace said: "Its a privilege to be here, showing solidarity with tens of thousands of people showing solidarity against hatred, racism - you name it. The number of people who have come here from every corner of this country is so encouraging."

Rose Haddow, a parishioner from Our Lady Help of Christians parish in Kentish Town, told ICN: "The marchers came from all over the UK, comprising every group imaginable to show solidarity against racism and division in our society. It was a great feeling to be part of it all."

Julian Filochowski, former director of CAFOD and current director of the Romero Trust told ICN: "This is just such a magnificent occasion. We;'re all working in solidarity expressing our love of God and our love of neighbour - especially migrants and refugees and those who are caught up in this horrible war."

LINK

Together March: www.togetheralliance.org.uk/march