Rowan Williams and Anglican Clergy Criticize 'Christian Nationalism'
Leaders of the Anglican Church have voiced concern over a growing nationalist narrative tied to Christianity in the UK, which they argue contradicts the core values of their faith. These remarks were made around the time of a “prayer walk” in London’s Hyde Park on 7 November, designed to oppose this narrative ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Opposition to Nationalist Narrative
The walk’s organizers aimed to confront the rising divisions over immigration in the UK and to reject the association of Christianity with nationalist ideas. A number of Anglican officials, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, bishops, clergy, and lay members participated in sharing this message.
“It is more than time to challenge the story that every migrant approaching our shores is an unfriendly alien with unintelligible and hostile values,” said Dr Rowan Williams, who provided a statement despite not attending in person. “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. It is the height of injustice to hold communities responsible for the crimes of individuals and to market lazy, hurtful stereotypes.”
Message Behind the Prayer Walk
The event sought to urge recognition of migrants’ humanity and to reject harmful generalizations that cause division within British society. Anglican figures stressed that Christian faith calls for compassion rather than exclusion.
Summary
This collective stance from Anglican leaders highlights a rejection of Christian nationalism and calls for empathy toward migrants, affirming the inclusive values at the heart of Christianity.
Author’s summary: Anglican leaders, including Rowan Williams, denounce the rise of Christian nationalism in the UK, urging compassion over division and challenging hostile stereotypes about migrants.