Leaders within the Anglican Church have expressed strong opposition to a nationalist narrative linked to Christianity that is gaining traction in the UK. They argue this narrative contradicts the core values of their Christian faith.
This stance was voiced by prominent Anglican figures, including Dr. Rowan Williams, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, along with current Church of England bishops, clergy, and lay members. Their statements coincided with a “prayer walk” held around Hyde Park, London, on the morning of 7 November.
The prayer walk aimed to confront and reject the rising Christian nationalist message ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Organizers intended to address the escalating societal divisions related to immigration in the UK.
"It is more than time to challenge the story that every migrant approaching our shores is an unfriendly alien with unintelligible and hostile values," said Dr. Williams. "It is essential for us to see, not enemy invaders, but vulnerable people like us, committed to finding safety for themselves and those they love."
"It is the height of injustice to hold communities responsible for the crimes of individuals and to market lazy, hurtful stereotypes."
The Church’s message highlights the need to resist divisive rhetoric and uphold values of justice and empathy in public discourse.
Summary: Anglican leaders, including Rowan Williams, call for rejecting a rising Christian nationalist narrative in the UK, urging compassion toward migrants and opposing harmful stereotypes ahead of Remembrance Sunday.