Statement on ‘Unite the Kingdom’

The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march in September attracted over 100,000 people to central London, with some estimates suggesting closer to one million attendees.

There is understandable concern amongst Christians that some of the organisers and speakers are convicted criminals and that some of the language used in speeches and by a few marchers was demeaning, insulting, and abusive toward people from other nations. Additionally, some violence occurred. Many worry that the use of Christian music, prayers, and people carrying crosses falsely appropriates and misrepresents the Christian faith.

We want to be clear that we condemn all hateful language and violent behaviour, and we recognise the need for careful discernment by Christians in the associations we form. As Affinity, we do not endorse the policy platform of any political party or movement.

Others have pointed out that a diverse range of people attended the march, including many young families, older individuals, and sincere, concerned Christians. These attendees were expressing their frustration that their voices are not being heard regarding the erosion of British values and the challenges posed by unsustainable levels of immigration.

While acknowledging these concerns, we see a broader opportunity in the march’s reflection of a desire for values that strengthen society. We welcome the recognition amongst many marchers that Christian values have a positive effect on communities and nations.

To be clear, we do not equate carrying a cross or using Christian symbols with being a Christian. However, we are glad that some people recognise the value of our Christian heritage and are, in some way, seeking to reconnect with it. Surely, this cultural moment presents many gospel opportunities for us.

We say to those who marched or observed from a distance that the answer lies not in carrying a cross but in living under the cross – not as a symbol of Britishness or a set of self-defined values, but as a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ for sinners like us. The empty cross demonstrates that Jesus Christ is King, and we humbly bow to his majesty, deriving our values, our understanding of what it means to be human, our ideas, our sense of nationhood, and our definitions of love from his example and teaching.

We pray for our nation to be truly united under the cross of Jesus Christ as many turn to him.