A Christian response to Christian Nationalism

Revd Wale Hudson-Roberts looks at the rise of Christian Nationalism and the Far Right and at some ways the Church can counter negativity towards immigrant communities

Surprise, surprise. More than 110,000 people took to the streets of London recently in protest for “free speech”, “real democracy”, and “peaceful disobedience”.

Crowds aligned themselves with Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – better known as Tommy Robinson – in what may have been one of the largest far-right demonstrations in England’s history. From across the country, marchers travelled to London for what was billed as a “Festival of Free Speech”.

And surprise, surprise again: Elon Musk appeared via video link, warning of the “rapid erosion” of Britain, before calling for the dissolution of Parliament.

Should we really be surprised by these supposed “surprises”? I think not.

Long before the rise of Trump, Farage, and Le Pen, immigrants and Muslims were scapegoated. Across large parts of Europe and America, Muslims have long been framed as threats to national security. This most recent wave of xenophobia cannot be viewed in isolation from the draconian immigration policies once championed by Theresa May.

I recall May’s 2012 Telegraph interview, in which she spoke of the Conservative Party’s aim to reduce immigration “by tens of thousands,” adding that she wanted to create a “really hostile environment” for illegal immigrants in the UK. Not long after, the Home Office sent vans across London bearing the now-infamous message beside a pair of handcuffs: “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest.”

That “hostile environment” soon hardened into a hostile society – fertile ground for figures like Tommy Robinson, Donald Trump, and Charlie Kirk to portray themselves as the defenders of Christian nationalism.

My point is this: long before Trump’s forceful promotion of Christian nationalism, Britain had already been shifting from a culture of “tolerance” to one of intolerance, both religiously and racially. Christian nationalism has weaponised that transition, globalising it and rebranding it as white supremacy. While I can’t say I’m surprised by the inexorable rise of Christian nationalism seen in the Unite the Kingdom march on September 13th, I am deeply disturbed by its speed and intensity.

Some Christian denominations have eventually condemned far-right movements in Britain – and rightly so. Yet it remains unclear why so many churches were slow to challenge the insidious rhetoric of “protecting the rights of natives” over “non-natives”, all in the name of preserving an “exclusive cultural identity”. The parable of the Good Samaritan – even two millennia later – still speaks powerfully to the relationship between “natives” and “foreigners”.

The parable is one of Jesus’ own interpretations of love. Love, in this sense, is not about being a neighbour to others but about becoming a neighbour to others. Christians are not merely called to “like” the foreigner but to love the othered.

The story carries profound theological insight. The Samaritan – the foreigner – is the one who proves himself a neighbour, showing that neighbourliness must never discriminate. It transcends national boundaries and challenges us to receive love from those we might fear or despise.

Every human being, created in the image of God, is a neighbour. This truth is embodied in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, whose love extended to all, regardless of race, religion, or status. The parable challenges Christians to practise an expansive, sacrificial love – a love that does, not merely describes. It is love in action. It’s no accident that Luke concludes with the word “do” rather than merely “believe.”

There are no surprises in Luke’s parable. It is a rebuke to those arrogant enough to love only people who look like them, and a command – not an invitation – to love all, including those who resemble the Samaritan and those who do not. Perhaps, then, the latter stand a better chance of “inheriting eternal life”.

So no, I’m not surprised by the rise of Christian nationalism. The social and political conditions have made it almost inevitable. What does surprise me, however, is the growing number of Christians – from both the Global South and Global North – who lend their support to a theology promoted by the likes of Kirk, Trump and Robinson. Their misuse of Scripture, especially on matters of race, gender, and human rights, is both alarming and dangerous.

For now, this issue remains the talk of the town. Let’s hope that the voices calling for justice and compassion remain steadfast and do not fade – as so many did in the months following the tragic murder of George Floyd.

REVD WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

Pastor of John Bunyan Baptist Church, Oxford, and Justice Enabler for the Baptist Union of Great Britain