On Monday 10 November, 2025, a group of UK Christians led by former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, bishops, clergy and lay people, spoke out against the growing narrative of Christian nationalism. This comes ahead of Remembrance Sunday, a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers in World War II.
The group organized a prayer walk around London’s Hyde Park, with stops at various locations that signify the contributions made by immigrants to Britain. Among these sites was the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, a memorial dedicated to the men and women from Commonwealth countries who lost their lives during the war. Here, the group held up a large cross made of red poppies and roses, forming the shape of a St George’s flag as a sign of respect for these soldiers.
Holly-Anna Petersen, an attendee of the prayer walk, explained that the group wanted to reclaim the flag as an inclusive symbol for Britain, reflecting the Christian principle of loving thy neighbour.
In a statement shared by former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, he emphasized the need to challenge the narrative that portrays migrants as unfriendly and hostile aliens. Williams stated, “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.”
The group behind the prayer walk, Christians for a Welcoming Britain, aims to highlight that Christian values are those of welcome and loving our neighbour. During the walk, attendees also reflected on the growing inequality in the UK and its impact on communities.
Revd Helen Burnett, a vicar in the Southwark Diocese, expressed her concern for the increasing wealth of the mega-rich while others struggle to make ends meet. She stated, “It’s immoral that we are seeing migrants used as scapegoats… Asylum seekers did not create this crisis; their plight has been manipulated to vilify them.”
Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, also spoke out against using the cross as a symbol of hate and exclusion, stating that without Christ’s unconditional love, the cross is merely an instrument of violence.
Bishop of Kingston, Rt Revd Martin Gainsborough, shared his vision of a society where all people are welcomed and their flourishing is prioritized, regardless of their background.
Rt Revd Mary Gregory, Bishop of Reading, emphasized the importance of following Jesus’ example of welcoming the vulnerable and marginalized, and using the cross as a symbol of love and rescue rather than exclusion and hate.
Archdeacon of Chelmsford, The Venerable Jonathan Croucher, emphasized the need for calm, care and wisdom in protecting and sustaining cohesion in communities.
Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Dr Rosemary Mallett, also spoke about the growing cost-of-living crisis and the need for empathy and understanding towards immigrants and marginalized communities.
The group behind the prayer walk, Christians for a Welcoming Britain, aims to promote a message of love, inclusion, and understanding towards migrants and marginalized communities in the UK. They reject the narrative of Christian nationalism and emphasize the Christian values of welcoming and loving our neighbour.