The radical right in Britain increasingly claims to represent "Christian values" & "Christian civilisation" - though its leaders rarely go to church or pretend to believe anything. It's especially important that Christian leaders speak out against this, as it's their tradition that's being claimed.
The Bishop signs off his letter: "With kind regards and prayers that wisdom and compassion will shape your political agenda" Wisdom and compassion are the very last things Farage will bother with when shaping his political agenda.
Hopefully they are not getting away with this transparently silly attempt at copy-pasting more US stuff to the UK.
They are not Christians, and not even from the Jewish-Christian tradition. But they are firmly against the Greek-Hellenistic tradition of science and rationalism! And for that especially against the "Ideas of the Age of Enlightment", of science and democracy! They are mainly obscurantists-fascists.
I've just checked BBC news, and this is not newsworthy enough to be on the main newslist or even part of the 'live' story. I guess there's only one narrative: the Gospel of Nige. You either follow it or join the apostates in the news wilderness (BlueSky).
I'm not a Christian and don't need to be Christian to have compassion for others. This was brought up today, so I offer it to MAGA Christians. Read it and weep: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?sea...
I’m fairly sure that not many of the current rash of flag-brandishing “patriots” attended the Remembrance service at their local church last November.
Absolutely agree. I’m confident that Jesus would be utterly appalled by the rhetoric of Reform, and his church should absolutely be speaking out against this.
I think that's the appeal of the (otherwise fairly meaningless) designation 'cultural Christian', which allows people to associate themselves with Christianity without doing anything to earn it.
The underlying assumption that religion is a force for good needs challenging.
I rely on stand up comedians for guidance youtu.be/QsPDT5qHtZ4?...
I think the country has to have a debate about 'cultural Christianity' and how it's not a thing. And the church needs tomlead that
I have no religious beliefs but this excellent criticism of Farage and his policies, is a reminder that the church, can have a role, in our society.
In a different context, the Armed Forces, Veterans & organisations associated with Remembrance Day should make it clear that politicians, members & supporters of ReformUK (& other fascist flag wavers) are NOT WELCOME to commemorations. On the grounds that they are funded by, & promoting our enemies.
What drives ne crazy us that these are large US ideas that gave very little to do with British culture - “Christian values”, an obsession with immigration, abortion, gender are all the drum beat of the Anerican extreme right for 20 years. This US culture, not British (or even English) culture.
I wrote this in a nearsighted rage. Sorry for the typos. But it’s a global project we’re facing. Anti-migrant rhetoric is taking hold in Japan, a country that has NO MIGRANTS.
Does the Church of England have the ability to excommunicate like the Catholic Church?
In theory, though it's a rather murky area of canon law and in practice doesn't really happen.
Such a shame the church has been very, very quiet on Palestine.
I'm not sure that's true. Different churches have played a variety of roles - and this bishop, for example, has been very active in promoting reconciliation, dialogue & cross-community support between those affected in Oxford. It's partly why he's so critical of those who want to stir up hatred.
From my experience talking to ppl, some of Christian faith (including 'leaders'), don't necessarily see conflict between Reform/ religious beliefs. Claims of free speech being attacked (e.g. street preaching); sympathy directed to those 'of' this country, mitigating obligation to look beyond that.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
It really means 'we hate Muslims'
Jesus was a refugee. I cannot see how anyone can reconcile the extreme anti-migrant sentiment found on the radical right with Christian beliefs.
Because they will justify it to themselves in support of their own human beliefs, experiences and prejudices. Christians, including Christian leaders, are also (obvs!) people who live in everyday society and who have pedestrian, personally-evolved beliefs and attitudes like the rest of us.
At last! Faith leaders from all religions represented in Britain should speak up but I understand why some are reluctant. Christian leaders on the other hand…
Probably contractual arrangements to get the Heritage dollar.
💯No fascist can be a Christian. And Fartage & Co are undoubtedly and demonstrably fascists.
As I always say - When is a Catholic not a Christian? When it’s Jacob Rees Mogg, aka The Speaking Chaise Longue, perfect for the Eton lying position.
The thing is, if he actually did an mp surgery, maybe his constituents would tell him that. But he doesn't,treating them with such disrespect,he will expect them to vote him in again. I will repeat again, Reform is a one trick pony.
The reactionary right are modelling themselves on the American Bible Belt, where people who loudly proclaim their Christianity while living a life that is that absolute antithesis of Christianity. It takes a special kind of stupid to believe Jesus was a white man with a conservative ideology...
Naturally, Farage has called the bishops "out of touch". (Not with God, presumably - he cheerfully admits to having no "deep religious convictions"). But the Church exists to challenge, not echo secular values. And the case for Christianity is certainly not that it made this or any country "great"
Also:
do you differentiate between the radical right and the far right?
I find "radical right" a more useful term for parties like Reform (which I know horrifies some of my colleagues!) The issue isn't how far the party is from an imagined "centre" - another concept I find unhelpful - but its "radicalism" (from "radex", or "root") on institutions, norms and obligations
It may be partly because I come at this as a historian, rather than as a political scientist. Terms like "far left" and "far right" don't really make sense before the 20th century, yet lots of the things that we see in Reform UK are very familiar from earlier forms of "radical" politics.
thanks - that's very interesting.
Do you see parallel with the Radical MPs of the mid 19th century?
@richardbaxell.bsky.social
I suspect the church are finding it as difficult to counter the messaging of farage as other politicians. They might not need to be elected, but are fighting a rearguard action. At least there are fewer churches in the U.K. In the US there always seems to be one sect willing to endorse something.
One wonders which Judaeo Christian values he had in mind ….
Not the ones of compassion, helping the weak/poor/widows/orphans, welcoming the foreigner, etc...
The Bible condones slavery....
I'm not sure that "condones" is quite the right word? In many places, it's seen as a Bad Thing. Part of the fallen order of things
Jesus gave instructions to his followers about how to determine the severity of beating your slave, should they ever transgress.
I think you may be mis-applying a metaphor?
Of course I am. It's in Luke, you know where.
It's just a metaphor, say the Xtians. There's always an excuse for every immoral verse in the Bible.
I'm an atheist, but had enough of my upbringing in the Church to know that the right's claims to defend 'Christian' or 'Judeo-Christian' values are platitudinous bollocks.