The Church of England is preparing to launch an inclusive nationwide campaign in response to a Christmas event organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson – a move senior clergy say is necessary to counter the political co-opting of Christian symbolism.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, plans to host a carol-themed gathering next Saturday under the slogan “Put Christ back into Christmas.” But church leaders say the message is being misused to push exclusionary politics rather than faith.
According to The Guardian, the C of E will begin distributing posters and digital materials next week designed to directly challenge Robinson’s narrative and reaffirm Christian values of welcome, dignity and compassion.
✝️ Far-right appropriation of Christian symbols sparks concern
Robinson’s planned Christmas event follows his appearance at the large “Unite the Kingdom” rally in September, where more than 100,000 supporters marched under flags, banners and imagery blending nationalism with Christian motifs.
Church leaders say the far-right has increasingly adopted religious symbols – from crucifixes to St George’s flags marked with biblical imagery – in ways that distort Christianity’s teachings and weaponise the faith against minority communities.
Rather than evangelism, many bishops view this trend as part of a broader attempt to frame British identity as exclusively Christian, excluding Muslims, migrants and other minority groups.
🎄 C of E counter-campaign: ‘Christ has always been in Christmas’
In response, the Church of England will roll out an alternative Christmas message across churches, parish halls and public spaces, including bus stops.
The campaign will feature phrases such as:
“Christ has always been in Christmas.”
“Outsiders welcome.”
The slogan is a pointed rebuttal to Robinson’s framing, while also reflecting the biblical story of the Holy Family – refugees fleeing danger.
The materials will emphasise that Christian teaching centres on love, hospitality and protection of the vulnerable, directly challenging attempts to use Christmas as a vehicle for anti-migrant or anti-Muslim messaging.
🕊️ Bishop warns against far-right ‘co-opting Christianity’
Reverend Arun Arora, a senior Church figure and former bishop, warned that Robinson’s rhetoric misrepresents Christian values and attempts to turn a religious celebration into a political wedge.
“As we approach Christmas and recall the Holy Family’s own flight as refugees, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside others in working for an asylum system that is fair, compassionate, and rooted in the dignity of humanity.
We must ensure justice for the weak and vulnerable.”
Arora said the Church’s message this year is designed to reclaim Christian identity from those attempting to politicise it – and to remind worshippers that Christianity has always extended welcome to “outsiders”.
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