The Bishops of the Diocese of Southwark have stated that the Bible does not justify “Christian nationalism,” following concerns about members of an anti-illegal migration movement attending worship at a church. The bishops said that the Patriot Platform, founded by Daniel Thomas—known as Danny Tommo—has raised concerns over its “language and actions” and its promotion of the Christian faith alongside “anti-migrant rhetoric.”
Patriot Platform’s activities and church attendance
The Patriot Platform has been behind anti-migrant protests seen in Portsmouth and Dover earlier this month. Thomas’s X bio reads: “Guardian of Faith. I am dedicated to defending my family and homeland. Trusting in Jesus Christ, Our Saviour.” Members of the movement have been attending worship at St Lawrence Church in Morden, it is understood. The church has been approached for comment.
Bishops’ statement on welcoming and deploring
In their statement, the bishops said: “Each week churches across our diocese welcome through their doors people of all ethnicities, backgrounds, political and ideological perspectives. We believe that the gospel is for everyone—that we all need God and that those who seek him in faith will find him.”
They added: “Nevertheless, we—alongside the leadership of the church in question—deplore any kind of violent or menacing behaviour, behaviour which is contrary to the law, or which denies the dignity and rights of others. We find in the Bible no grounds for the justification of Christian nationalism.”
Church’s position on transforming power of gospel
The bishops concluded: “Welcoming people through our doors does not mean condoning their actions or agreeing with all their views. But we do believe in the transforming power of the gospel to change and to heal us and we continue to preach the gospel to that end.”
