Churches Together in England have shared 'rapid response' resources to help churches encourage #JoyForAll in response to Christian nationalism. You can find this resource here.
This is not a CTE resource but has been compiled by Revd Dr Al Barrett, Hodge Hill Church, in collaboration with Larger Us, the Centre for the Study of Bible & Violence, the Joint Public Issues Team (Baptist Union, Methodist Church & United Reformed Church), and a number of other Christian leaders and organisations across the UK. Please note that as this is a ‘rapid response’ resource, with multiple contributors collaborating across different denominations and organisations, it does not claim to be comprehensive, ‘authorised’, or a single, unified position. All views expressed here are those of the contributors, who come from across a range of Christian traditions and offer different and complementary perspectives on these complex issues.
In addition, Church of England bishops have urged churches across the diocese to continue to build strong and united communities across the Thames Valley.
Bishop Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said: “Christ has always been at the centre of Christmas and our celebrations of the greatest gift of all. Jesus was born a refugee, in the Middle East and in poverty, running from those who were intent on harming him.
“The adoption of Christian values to exclude or ostracise others is the exact opposite of Jesus’ teachings. At the centre of the love he showed us is the love he called for us to have for everyone. Love thy neighbour, as God loves you. We must love our enemies and welcome the stranger, whoever they are.”
Bishop Dave Bull, Bishop of Buckingham, who leads the diocese on equality, diversity and inclusion, added: “I have spoken to communities in Milton Keynes who are worried about the rise in hate and intimidation. When reflecting on Christmas, we should remember Jesus loved foreigners, and loving refugees, those whose skin colour and culture are different from our own, is how we are called to be as Christians.”
Posters created by The Diocese of Leeds to spread love not hate this Christmas can be found here.