Warily, I went to Tommy Robinson's Carols

Warily at first, I stood there in Whitehall on Saturday afternoon for Tommy Robinson’s "Put Christ back into Christmas" carol service. I wanted to experience for myself this apparent toxic nationalism. I would give it one go – one too many in the eyes of some.

I stand against racism of any kind and I had been issued with plenty of warnings in the last few weeks on social media by other Christians, notably bishops of my own denomination: this former criminal would be politicking cynically, out to hijack the faith for his evil agenda, I was told. Oh yes, there might be karaoke carols blasted into the open-air that day but watch out! It would be a guise for hate and all that this church and nation should oppose.

Well, in my view, the nay-sayers got it dramatically wrong. I did see and hear some things that this country (including sections of the church) might not like these days. But I’m talking about the name of Jesus being glorified passionately in worship, God’s word being preached publicly and compellingly – maybe to thousands, and that good old blatant proselytising challenge – to turn to Christ as Saviour and Lord – being given to all.