LONDON (RNS) — The last time the British anti-migrant agitator Tommy Robinson led a rally through the streets of London, marchers, some dressed as Crusaders and carrying crosses, kicked and punched police, threw bottles and spewed offensive chants against political leaders.
So, when Robinson called for another rally, titled “Putting the Christ Back Into Christmas” religious groups across the country quickly organized in counterprotest ahead of the march, which is scheduled for Saturday (Dec. 13).
The Church of England has launched a poster campaign at bus stops and other locations that says “Christ has always been in Christmas” and “Outsiders welcome.” A coalition of three other Protestant denominations has put out a set of resources for churches to use, called “Joy for All.” And the Sanctuary Foundation, a Christian organization that provides support services to refugees and asylum-seekers, is hosting a live Nativity scene — donkey included — at a London church hours before the march.
“Tommy Robinson is most famous for his work stirring up hatred and fear amongst the British population toward asylum-seekers, refugees and immigrants,” said Krish Kandiah, who directs the nonprofit. “This seems so ironic when Jesus himself was a refugee, right?”
A poster featuring a bus stop Nativity in the #JoyForAll campaign by the Church of England. (Image courtesy of the Church of England)
England, as in the United States, has a surging white nationalist movement that seeks to reclaim its Christian identity. One of those leading the charge is Robinson, whose real name is …