Christian leaders and Jewish community oppose hate rally

Steve Clifford, general director of the Evangelical Alliance, speaks out against a planned neo-Nazi protest this weekend that is expected to include virulent anti-Semitic messages.

"We cannot stand by and let messages of hate go unanswered. The vilification of the Jewish community in London, and specifically Golders Green, is utterly abhorrent and I call on Christians to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in rejecting such dehumanising and racist actions."

Following concerns from the local Jewish community and extensive discussions with the police, conditions have been placed on the static demonstration requiring it take place in central London ,rather than Golders Green as originally planned.

The Evangelical Alliance has joined with Jews for Jesus and other Christian leaders to issue the following statement ahead of Saturday's rally: 

"As followers of Jesus Christ, and leaders in the Christian community, we deplore the anti-Semitic rally being planned in central London for Saturday 4 July. 

"The organisers of this static demonstration have pronounced their opposition to what they call the "Jewification of Britain." As British citizens we look upon their perspective as de-humanising, racist and hateful. 

"In contrast, we celebrate the presence of our Jewish communities in Britain and the contributions our Jewish brothers and sisters make to the quality of British life and culture. As Christians, we are deeply aware of the Jewish legacy from which we have received the benefit of God's law, His promises, and the very lineage from which the human ancestry of the Messiah is traced (see Romans 9:4,5). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came through the Jewish people and called them his own. Let no one hate those whom God loves!

"Whilst the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police cannot prevent this protest from happening, we cannot stand by without adding our voice to that of all who hold to truth and justice and say a resounding, 'we care!' and that 'we stand together with Golders Green'."

Statement supported by:

Steve Clifford, general director, Evangelical Alliance
Julia Pascoe, UK branch leader, Jews for Jesus
Bishop David Evans, Assistant Bishop of Coventry and President of CMJ UK
Rev Joseph Steinberg, CEO, Christian Witness to Israel
Rev Richard Gibson, Director of ministry, Christian Witness to Israel
Celia Bowring, CARE and Kensington Temple
Stephen Gaukroger, Clarion Trust
Mark Greene, London Institute of Contemporary Christianity
Rev Nicolas Pye, St Paul's Finchley
Rev Dr Rodney and Karen Woods, City Temple
Rev Joe and Anne Kapolyo, Edmonton Baptist Church
Jeremy Townsley, St John's Church Downshire Hill, Hampstead
Marina Townsley, St John's Church Downshire Hill, Hampstead
Andrei Townsley, St John's Church Downshire Hill, Hampstead
Pastor Philip and Dorcas Herklots, Cornerstone Church, Assemblies of God, Oxford
Leon and Hannah Taviansky, Rock of Salvation Community Church, Sunningdale
Rev Paddy Beresford, St John's Church Broadbridge Heath, Sussex
Kathy Peat, International Presbyterian Church, Liss, Hampshire
Stephen Pacht, Jews for Jesus
Rev Richard Bewes, Christ Church, Virginia Water

ENDS