Senior figures from the Church of England and a Catholic priest from north London have issued strong rebukes to far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, following his Christmas-themed religious gathering in the capital.
Event and Immediate Backlash
The controversial figure, who recently professed a conversion to Christianity, led a ‘Unite the Kingdom’ carols event in London on 13 December. The gathering was swiftly met with a public response from Anglican leaders, who emphasised that ‘Christmas is for all’, directly countering Robinson’s rhetoric.
In a letter to the Guardian, Dr Ronan Cormacain of a Finsbury Park Catholic parish highlighted the stark contrast between Robinson’s messaging and the reality of his diverse congregation. He pointedly listed the Nigerian priests, Filipino altar servers, African-Caribbean volunteers, and admin staff from east Africa who are integral to his church’s community.
“Our local imam can always be relied on to attend our multifaith events – do we have to uninvite him, as well as our Jewish friends?” Dr Cormacain wrote, adding that the church celebrates the birth of a Jew born in Palestine.
Call for Sustained Opposition
Another correspondent, Les Bright from Exeter, expressed relief at the Anglican church’s response. He characterised Robinson’s actions as a shameless exploitation of his newfound faith to build opposition to Britain’s multifaith society.
Bright called for a prolonged challenge, suggesting the 26 bishops in the House of Lords could lead a sustained effort, potentially joined by Catholic cardinals and the Chief Rabbi. He warned that Robinson, bankrolled by obscenely wealthy people, cannot be ignored and that his falsehoods must be confronted.
Theological Critique of Repentance
The criticism extended to a theological examination of Robinson’s claimed conversion. Citing the Gospel of Matthew, reader Geoff Reid from Barnsley referenced John the Baptist’s demand that the Pharisees “bear fruit worthy of repentance”.
This biblical reference was presented as an appropriate measure for Robinson and his followers, suggesting that genuine repentance must be evidenced by tangible good works, a point mainstream Christianity has historically emphasised.
The collective response from faith leaders and the public underscores a significant clash over the interpretation of Christian values and their place in a modern, multicultural society, set against the backdrop of Robinson’s ongoing political activism.
