Principal Clerk signs letter lamenting misuse of the cross

The Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Fiona Smith, has signed an open letter expressing concern at the Christian cross being used in a political demonstration that targeted some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Signed by a group of Christian leaders from a range of different faith communities, the move comes after a march in London on 13 September where the cross was carried as extremist speakers addressed the crowd.

The Principal Clerk said it is the duty of the Church to speak up when the cross, the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other, is misused.

" Jesus calls us to love both our neighbours and our enemies and to welcome the stranger" she explained.

"As Christian leaders, we are proud of our country and commit ourselves to work with others building a more United Kingdom where the values of love, humility and compassion shine through in every community, and we do so unapologetically in the name of Jesus Christ."

The letter has been published in a wide range of media outlets including: The Times, The Mirror, Christian Today, The Guardian, Premier Christian News and MSN.

Here is the letter in full:

"We are deeply concerned about the co-opting of Christian symbols, particularly the cross, during Saturday's ‘Unite the Kingdom' rally. Many individuals and communities felt anxious, unsettled and even threatened by aspects of the march.

"There were undoubtedly diverse motivations for those engaged in the event. We respect the right to free speech, to hold different views on issues such as immigration, the importance of healthy debate between religious communities and the need to disagree well when consensus is difficult.

"We also understand that for many of those involved in the rally there is a deep sense of frustration at feeling unheard and forgotten in the democratic process. We know that we cannot heal this wound unless the Church, and society as a whole rises to do more to address the issues of poverty, inequality and exclusion.

"However, this rally included racist, anti-Muslim and far right elements. As Christians from different theological and political backgrounds we stand together against the misuse of Christianity. The cross is the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other. Jesus calls us to love both our neighbours and our enemies and to welcome the stranger. Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable.

"As Christian leaders we are proud of our country and commit ourselves to work with others building a more United Kingdom where the values of love, humility and compassion shine through in every community; and we do so unapologetically in the name of Jesus Christ."

Among the signatories are:

• Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
• Rt Revd Dr Rowan Williams.
• Revd Dr Sam Wells.
• Revd Lucy Winkett.
• Revd Canon Steve Chalke MBE and 32 others