The Evangelical Alliance is among the signatories of a letter condemning the use of the cross as a symbol of exclusion of foreigners. They consider it to be a ‘corruption’ of the gospel message.
The rally included protesters dressed as crusaders, carrying large wooden crosses and flags with images and messages related to Jesus Christ. / Photo: [link]X @FaithS33D[/link]
Dozens of UK church leaders spoke out publicly against the use of Christian symbols at a recent far-right march in London.
The rally, held in the name of 'free speech' and 'British identity', included protesters dressed as crusaders, carrying large wooden crosses and flags with images and messages of Jesus.
In an open letter published in the newspaper The Times, Anglican bishops and Methodist, Baptist, evangelical, Salvation Army and Catholic leaders expressed that they were “deeply concerned about the co-opting of Christian symbols, particularly the cross, during Saturday’s ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally”.
“Many individuals and communities felt anxious, unsettled and even threatened by aspects of the march”, they added.
The signatores acknowledge “the diverse motivations for those engaged in the event”, and “respect the right to free speech, to hold different views on issues such as immigration, the importance of healthy debate between religious communities and the need to disagree well when consensus is difficult”.
They also admitted that many of those involved in the rally had “a deep sense of frustration at feeling unheard and forgotten in the democratic process”, which “cannot be healed unless the Church, and society as a whole rises to do more to address the issues of poverty, inequality and exclusion”.
However, the signatories added, “this rally included racist, anti-Muslim and far right elements”.
“As Christians from different theological and political backgrounds we stand together against the misuse of Christianity”, says the letter.
The leaders underline that “the cross is the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other. Jesus calls us to love both our neighbours and our enemies and to welcome the stranger”.
That is why, “any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable”
“As Christian leaders we are proud of our country and commit ourselves to work with others building a more United Kingdom where the values of love, humility and compassion shine through in every community; and we do so unapologetically in the name of Jesus Christ”, concluded the letter.
One of the signatores of the letter is the CEO of the UK Evangelical Alliance (EAUK), Gavin Calver.
“Good to sign a letter with other clergy that’s featured on today’s front page”, Calver wrote on his X social media profile. “We recognise the frustration of many, the need to welcome the stranger & that any corrupting of Christianity to exclude others is unacceptable”.
Good to sign a letter to the @thetimes with other clergy that’s featured on today’s front page. We recognise the frustration of many, the need to welcome the stranger & that any corrupting of Christianity to exclude others is unacceptable. Full letter here https://t.co/1iGuOWO2bv pic.twitter.com/p1e0BqhpRs
— Gavin Calver (@GavCalver) September 21, 2025
For Peter Lynas, UK director of the EAUK, it is also “good to work with others to help pull this together”. Lynas believes Christians “need a nuanced conversation. Some are frustrated, some are fearful and the cross speaks to both”, he added.
Good to work with others to help pull this together. We need a nuanced conversation. Some are frustrated, some are fearful and the cross speaks to both. Lots more to said around Christian nationalism in the UK- we are working on it! pic.twitter.com/ipTz0ok7uS
— Ｐｅｔｅｒ Ｌｙｎａｓ (@peterlynas) September 21, 2025
Some evangelicals have also publicly disagreed with the letter of the Christian leaders. Among them, cultural analyst and former moderator of the Free Church of Scotland, David Robertson, in the news website Christian Today.
The minister of Scots Kirk Presbyterian Church in Newcastle, New South Wales, wrote an open letter to “those of you who profess to be evangelical and to speak on behalf of your fellow evangelicals”.
“Did I miss your letter advising Christians not to go on pro-Palestinian marches because there are people chanting for the elimination of Israel and the Jews? […] Do you not know that in today’s world those of us who are evangelicals who hold to the Bible are regarded as far-right because we are opposed to abortion, same-sex marriage and transgender ideology? Are you de facto condemning all of us?”, he asked.
“The irony is that by adopting in the name of Christ the exclusion view of inclusion - so beloved by illiberal progressives - you are yourselves co-opting the Christian faith to exclude those who don’t agree with you”, concluded Roberston.
Evangelical Alliances in other countries of Europe have positioned themselves against nationalist and anti-migration ideologies. One recent examples is the Swiss Evangelical Alliance.
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