When did flying a flag, claiming patriotism, and expressing concern about immigration become something darker — something that slips so easily into hostility towards those who are different?

I find myself increasingly troubled by how our faith is being used, not as a source of love and welcome, but as a justification for exclusion and intolerance.

Recently, an incident in Derby, where several people were injured after a car mounted a pavement, prompted a wave of reaction online and in communities. At the time, very little was known about the suspect. Yet almost immediately, assumptions were made. Because the driver was described as being “from Derby, originally from India”, some were quick to label him, to decide his religion, his motives, and his guilt.

What followed was deeply unsettling.

Voices grew louder, not in compassion for those who were injured, but in anger, fear and division. People who might once have been cautious in their words began to share posts and opinions rooted in suspicion and prejudice. Complex global issues were reduced to slogans. Human beings were reduced to labels.

And all the while, the language of patriotism was used to justify it.

“But it’s OK,” the argument goes, “we’re just protecting our country.”

But who are we protecting it from? And at what cost?

In my own experience, I have seen people I have known for years — friends, neighbours, acquaintances — begin to express views that I never expected from them. At the same time, others have surprised me in the opposite way, showing compassion and courage in speaking out against hatred. It has been both heartbreaking and revealing.

As Christians, we are called to something different.

Jesus does not call us to fear the stranger, but to welcome them. He does not call us to draw lines between “us” and “them”, but to recognise the dignity of every person. Again and again, scripture reminds us of our responsibility to care for the vulnerable, the outsider, the foreigner — remembering that God’s people were once strangers themselves.

To use the name of Christ as a badge of exclusion is not just mistaken, it is a profound misunderstanding of the Gospel.

This is not to ignore the real and complex challenges around immigration, or to dismiss genuine concerns. But when those concerns harden into suspicion, and suspicion into hatred, something has gone badly wrong.

We must ask ourselves: how did we get here?

How did we move from being a society that valued tolerance and diversity, to one where division can so quickly take hold? How did patriotism become something that excludes rather than unites?

And perhaps most importantly: how do we respond?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth, compassion and justice. That means challenging narratives that dehumanise others. It means resisting the pull of easy answers and loud voices. It means choosing love, even when it is difficult, even when it sets us apart.

Because the call of Christ is clear.

To love our neighbour.
To welcome the stranger.
To stand against injustice.

In a time of growing division, that calling matters more than ever.

If you want to see a society that welcomes the stranger, the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) has a dedicated webpage kept up-to-date with briefings, resources and campaigns.
.

The post When did patriotism become hatred? appeared first on United Reformed Church.

No two days as Head of Safeguarding ever look quite the same, but a day earlier this month (14 April) captured the full breadth of the role — from people management to national policy and long‑term strategic development.

The morning began, as many do, by working through a busy inbox. I then moved on to a scheduled appraisal with one of the four members of the safeguarding team within the Offices of the General Assembly that I line‑manage. Supporting colleagues, recognising their achievements, and helping shape their development is one of the rewarding parts of my job. We have such a strong team, who have been instrumental in the cultural shift towards safeguarding in recent years.

By late morning, I was on a train into London to attend the All‑Party Parliamentary Group on Safeguarding in Faith Organisations. These sessions are always energising — a chance to connect with colleagues from across denominations and charities, as well as Members of Parliament who share a commitment to safer practice. We heard important updates on the progress of Mandated Reporting through Parliament, alongside news of a new inquiry into the definition of Regulated Activity — a topic with significant implications for faith settings, given the many nuanced roles within our churches.

During the journey, I was also able to work on papers for General Assembly, including reports for other committees as well as those from the Safeguarding Committee.

The journey home offered time to finalise the agenda for our wider safeguarding team’s annual residential. This year’s programme is shaping up to be particularly strong, with speakers including Dr Lisa Oakley on her work with survivors of abuse, Tim Carter, Director of Safeguarding for the Methodist Church, exploring the Dunning–Kruger Effect, and Space to Breathe, who will lead a session on psychological safety.

It was a long and full day — but one that reflects the purpose, partnership and continual learning at the heart of safeguarding. It is also why I feel honoured to be in this role, bringing together my Christian faith and my commitment to helping the Church be a safe place for all.

To learn more about the 51��Ƶ Safeguarding Team, see Safeguarding – United Reformed Church.

The post A day in the life of: Head of Safeguarding appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Catriona Wheeler, United Reformed Church General Assembly Moderator, joined senior representatives of the Methodist Church, the Baptist Union in Great Britain in co-signing a letter asking Ed Miliband, as Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, to personally attend the , taking place 24-29 April.

The international summit is being co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands in Santa Marta, Colombia. This letter argues that the presence of the Secretary of State would convey a clear message of support from the UK for this new multilateral movement, and aid vital work to agree a detailed roadmap for a transition away from fossil fuels that is fast, fair, and funded.

The UK has a proud history of international climate leadership, with  that “We are up against the march of time and massive global forces that would slow down or stop action. In the face of this opposition, multilateralism is our best hope”. The faith leaders say that “Your words encouraged us […and] ​we ​encourage you to put them into action​ with fellow climate leaders​ in Santa Marta​”.

In an appendix to the letter, the leaders explain their shared motivation in issuing the call, saying: “To be good ​​carers ​of our common home, we must act quickly and phase out the production of fossil fuels… It is ​a ​moral imperative to protect those most in need and to uphold the​ rights of future generations​ ​​​and the whole earth​​​ ​​​​by employing renewable sources of energy.”

Revd Canon Giles Goddard, Chair of Faith for the Climate and signatory of the letter, said: “It’s really important that the UK continues its record of climate leadership by working with climate allies. In the face of a fossil fuel crisis, this conference is vital to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, and ensure that it is fast, fair and funded.

“Ed Miliband’s attendance would show the UK is serious about climate justice and wants to work together, especially with the countries most impacted by the climate crisis. As Ed said himself,  Santa Marta is a key opportunity to bring on ‘the era of clean energy security’.”

This conference has the support of many fellow climate leaders, such as the nations who signed the Belem Declaration on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels,  on the next steps in the fight for climate justice.  small island states especially at risk from climate change, such as Fiji and Jamaica, as well as close European allies of the UK, such as Spain and Austria. It also includes the co-host of COP31, Australia. These countries have welcomed the Santa Marta Conference  Several nations attending are major fossil fuel producers, including Colombia itself, as well as 

The initiative follows on from , and would represent an important step in furthering international discussions on climate change. The UNFCCC COP talks have struggled to maintain a focus on the phase-out of fossil fuels, despite it being referred to . This conference, independently organised by like-minded countries with high climate ambitions from Global South and North, would help to keep fossil fuel phase-out on the agenda as we look towards COP31 later this year.

To read the letter in full and for the full list of signatories, see .

The post UK urged to continue its climate leadership appeared first on United Reformed Church.

To support them, All We Can – a Methodist relief and development charity supporting local organisations worldwide with flexible funding, humanitarian assistance, and long-term community-led change – is relaunching its appeal with the Methodist Church in Britain and the United Reformed Church, and will continue to raise money for partners who are delivering life-transforming, essential work.

Our original appeal, launched in November 2024, was to help meet the humanitarian need resulting from the crisis in Gaza and Lebanon specifically. However, the scope of work of our partners has increased, and we want to remain flexible to support their work in the most efficient way possible. This includes supporting Palestinians increasingly targeted by Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.

Christian Palestinians are telling us through Kairos Palestine II that: “We live now in a time of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement unfolding before the eyes of the world. This moment, a moment of truth — demands from us a new stand unlike any before it. While people of the world have stood in solidarity with us, the genocidal war has laid bare the hypocrisy of the Western world, its hollow values and its empty boasts of commitment to human rights and international law.” We heed their call.

The Israeli military has been accused of the crime of genocide, starvation, extermination and of crimes against humanity. There is an active investigation at the International Court of Justice into the Crime of Genocide, bought by South Africa against Israel.

We are asking you to show your solidarity with those in the Middle East through giving, praying and campaigning.

.

Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly, offers this prayer:

The post Middle East Justice Appeal appeared first on United Reformed Church.

For months, members of a group of Cardiff Eco Churches – including Beulah United Reformed Church (51��Ƶ), City 51��Ƶ and Canton Uniting Church – have collaborated and campaigned together by meeting up with and writing to councillors, hosting events, inviting speakers, and finding creative ways to keep climate justice on the agenda. Cardiff Eco Churches is an ecumenical network of local churches committed to environmental stewardship and climate justice through the A Rocha Eco Church scheme.

In March, Cardiff Council voted to endorse the global call for a  which seeks to develop “a concrete, robust, binding plan to protect people and the planet from the multifaceted threats posed by oil, gas, and coal—from climate change and health crises to security and economic instability”.

Eighteen nations have already joined the initiative and are participating in discussions on negotiating a Fossil Fuel Treaty to complement the , a legally binding an international treaty on climate change.

Ahead of the vote, members from Beulah 51��Ƶ, City 51��Ƶ and Canton Uniting Church gathered outside County Hall alongside representatives from local Methodist churches and the Church in Wales. Working with partners including and , they showed visible support for the motion, and for the wider vision behind it.

Reflecting on the council’s endorsement and the role of local Eco Churches, the Revd David Salsbury, Moderator of Yr Eglwys Ddiwygiedig Unedig, Synod Cenedlaethol Cymru (the 51��Ƶ National Synod of Wales), said: “This decision proves that when churches stand together for creation and climate justice, their faith in action can influence change even at the highest level.  By raising their voices together, Cardiff’s Eco Churches have helped light the way toward a more sustainable and hope‑filled future”

During the Climate Coalition’s campaign, held each February, people signed letters, heard from activists, and took part in conversations about what a just future might look like. Junior church members of some churches got involved by making Cymru Cares lanterns to shine a light – both literally and symbolically – on the need for action, helping to keep climate justice on the agenda.

And it worked.

Councillors heard those voices. The motion passed. And Cardiff now joins cities like London, Edinburgh and Birmingham, alongside countries around the world, in backing a coordinated global response to the climate crisis.

Eileen Newington, National Synod of Wales Green Advocate said: “The fossil-fuelled climate emergency is already causing flooding and extreme weather in Wales. A global exit plan will help protect people here and worldwide who are already suffering the impacts of human-induced climate change.

“For many involved, this wasn’t just about environmental policy. It was about faith in action, caring for creation, standing with vulnerable communities, and speaking up where it matters.”

A from the day, shared by Climate Cymru, captures the atmosphere and highlights the role of Eco Churches in the campaign.

Sass Adams, Communications Officer for the National Synod of Wales, added: “Moments like this can feel small in the grand scheme of things, but they’re not. They’re a reminder that when churches work together, build relationships, and keep showing up, change can happen.”

The post Cardiff churches help shape a landmark climate decision appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The streams, Faith Filled Environment and Faith Filled Conversations, are now ready to be trialled, building on the strong foundations already established and offering participants more choice, flexibility, and depth in their learning journey.

In this new, exciting phase, Stepwise is also introducing a one‑session “Introduction to Stepwise” taster. This is designed to help participants – individuals or small groups – explore what Stepwise is all about before committing to a full stream. This short, accessible session can be run locally or online. While Faith‑Filled Life remains recommended as a helpful grounding experience, it is now no longer a requirement to complete it before starting any other stream. Participants can freely choose the stream that best fits their context, need, or curiosity after completing the introduction.

The Revd Jenny Mills, Deputy General Secretary (Faith in Action), said: “It has been good to see how Stepwise has been embraced as a discipleship development tool by so many people around the 51��Ƶ. We want this valuable resource to be used as widely as possible and so are making minor adjustments to enable this to happen.”

In another significant move to widen access, all cost implications for Stepwise have also been removed, making the resource free. By removing the cost implication and thereby reducing the administration, the programme becomes more inclusive and open to all who wish to deepen their discipleship, develop faith‑based skills, and explore how their learning connects with everyday life.

Linda Harrison, Stepwise Administrator, said: “It is exciting to see increased participation in the Stepwise programme as part of people’s faith journeys, and I look forward to my part in encouraging enrolments into the two new streams through the Synods.

“Interested participants should contact their Synod Stepwise Contact who will discuss their preferred access point with them and ensure they are enrolled into a local in-person or an online group. I will register participants onto the 51��Ƶ Learning Hub or add their Stepwise resource enrolments to their existing Learning Hub access if they have registered for Safeguarding Foundation training previously.”

Early feedback from Stepwise participants continues to show its transformative impact. Stories from groups across the 51��Ƶ highlight how Stepwise encourages deep reflection, community building, and growth in confidence and discipleship.

“My take on doing the course was very positive”, says Arbie Mangaring from the East Midlands Synod, in feedback in 2024. “I was able to further my knowledge…one of those things was how to read the Bible…looking deeper into the meaning. When was it written, who wrote it, what perspective and what angle.”

As the programme expands, Stepwise leaders are encouraging local groups to share their experiences to help inspire others.

Gail Yorke, was part of Mersey Synod’s Warrington and Chester group which was the first group to complete Faith-Filled Life in 2019, and then she went on to complete Faith Filled Worship in 2025. She said that she found the Stepwise stream “a really good course in that it gives you that time to sit and explore scripture in a deeper manner, learn about putting services together…at the end of it I took some time to just reflect on everything I’d learnt and to listen to God and to pray about where he wants me to be.”

Lilian Gordon became a Stepwise Mentor in 2024 and had no previous experience of Stepwise. She found the resources “…excellent. They were easy to understand and very well structured…Stepwise, I believe, is truly an incredibly worthwhile programme for spiritual growth.”

Stepwise is administered by the Scottish College, which now supports training officers, Stepwise advocates, and synods with access, to resources, and guidance on enrolment as the programme continues to grow and evolve.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh discipleship opportunity, seeking resources for local leadership development, or exploring new ways to nurture faith within your community, there has never been a better time to begin a Stepwise journey.

To get started or learn more, see the dedicated Stepwise webpage or contact your local Synod Stepwise Contact (details can be found on the Stepwise page under ‘Let us know you are interested’).

The post Stepwise launches new streams appeared first on United Reformed Church.

In the lead up to the Jewish Sabbath, the Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, the 51��Ƶ’s Head of World Justice and Inter Faith, said: “As members of the United Reformed Church, we wish to hold close to our hearts our Jewish family following the attempted arson attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue. We are deeply saddened and angered by this latest act of antisemitic hatred.”

“We stand in solidarity with the synagogue leaders and members, all at Progressive Judaism, the wider Finchley community, and the Jewish community as a whole beyond North London. No community should have to worship under threat, fear, and anxiety.”

Dr Snyman endorsed a statement from the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ), which noted that although this attack was unsuccessful, it follows attacks on the Hatzola ambulances last month and Heaton Park synagogue in October.

A further attack was made on Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow overnight on 18 April, following which arrests have been made.

The CCJ said: “Security, tension and anxiety are extremely high. Jewish colleagues, friends and neighbours should not have to worry about attending places of worship, nor should anyone of any faith. Jewish community buildings, schools and synagogues have longstanding security systems that frankly should not be required.”

The Revd Dr Nathan Eddy, Co-Director of the CCJ and a United Reformed minister, added: “An attack on a synagogue or any place of worship is an attack on us all. It strikes right at the heart of something Christians should stand against, arm in arm.”

In a message directed to the members of Finchley Reform Synagogue, Dr Snyman emphasised that “we send our strength, our prayers, and our steadfast support to the synagogue and to all who are shaken by this attack. You are not alone at this time.”

Finchley Reform Synagogue has stood in the area since 1961. A new building was completed in 2022.

Linked statements from

This article was updated 20 April 2026, following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue.

Image: By Ri Butov | Pixabay

The post ‘Arm in arm’ with Finchley Jewish community appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The joint letter, coordinated by Quakers in Britain and signed by Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly, Bishop Mike Royal, Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber, Lord Indarjit Singh and 15 other faith and belief leaders, warns that the Bill’s new “cumulative disruption” clause is too vague and too broad.

The clause requires police to consider previous and planned protests in the same area when deciding whether to impose conditions on a demonstration.

“It could mean that we are stopped from demonstrating because another protest previously took place in the same area, even if it was on a completely different issue,” signatories wrote.

The letter comes as the on 14 April following its Lords third reading on 25 March.

The Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist leaders say that despite their differences, they share a common commitment to love and justice.

Members of all their communities are led by conscience to protest peacefully on issues that matter to them, they said.

And they point out that peaceful protest has often involved cumulative action. Campaigns that changed the world from the suffragettes to communities standing up against fracking were built on repeated, sustained demonstration.

Their concern is shared widely. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has called the clause too broadly drafted.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly  UK civil society organisations and MPs that she was seriously concerned about these repressive new laws and the clause on cumulative disruption in particular

This Bill is the third piece of anti-protest legislation in recent years.

“Peaceful protest motivated by faith, belief and love should be celebrated, not criminalised. We urge the government and MPs to drop the clause on cumulative disruption,” the letter says.

The full list of signatories .

Image: Asim Rehman/Unsplash.

Linked articles

Faith leaders voice criticism of Public Order Bill – United Reformed Church

Faith and belief leaders urge MPs to approve changes to Policing Bill – United Reformed Church

Faith Leaders urge Priti Patel to scrap controversial bill

The post Britain’s faith communities: don’t silence peaceful protest appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The group, led by WCRC Europe President Jenny Dobers, travelled from as far as Sweden, Germany, Romania, Switzerland and North Yorkshire to meet representatives of the three Welsh member churches of the WCRC: Undeb yr Annibynwir (Welsh Independents), the Presbyterian Church in Wales, and the 51��Ƶ as represented by the National Synod of Wales.

The Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, 51��Ƶ Head of World Justice and Interfaith Relations also attended as one of the steering group’s Vice Presidents.

During the visit, the steering group sought to deepen its understanding of the Welsh ecumenical context, meeting with church representatives, Cytûn, and serving members of the Welsh Senedd. The programme also included visits to local churches, St Fagans National Museum of History, and Cardiff Bay, offering insight into both the cultural and political life of Wales.

As part of the visit, Jenny preached at City United Reformed Church in Cardiff, delivering a sermon reflecting on the difficult questions raised by Palm Sunday, particularly around the illusion of power and the enduring power of hope.

One of the group’s key reflections was the extent to which Welsh churches have progressed on the ecumenical journey when compared with many Reformed churches elsewhere in Europe. Members noted that, despite its relatively small size, Wales has much to offer the wider Reformed family through its rich diversity and long‑standing commitment to working together across denominations.

Commenting on the visit, János Antal, the steering group’s Secretary, reflected particularly on what Hungarian‑speaking churches could learn from Wales, observing parallels between Hungary’s historical experience under the Soviet Union and Wales’s experience alongside England. He noted the creative and non‑violent ways Welsh churches have resisted oppression over centuries, rooted deeply in Reformed spirituality, education, and social action.

Reflecting after the visit, Jenny expressed her gratitude to the Welsh churches, writing:

“I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Welsh churches for this past weekend. You put so much effort into preparing everything, and so many of you gave generously of your time to welcome us and help us understand more about life in Wales.

“We take with us the warmth of the Welsh people, the care of your church members, the beauty of Welsh nature and culture, and a wealth of wisdom and inspiration on how to live the gospel in our time. We thank God that we are in communion with you. It is comforting to know that even across the distance, we can pray together for a world so deeply in need of peace.”

As a gesture of thanks, Jenny Dobers presented small gifts to the Revd David Salsbury, Moderator of the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales, Hefin Jones, Annibynwyr, and Peredur Owen Griffiths, Presbyterian Church of Wales.

The steering group is served by Jenny Dobers as its president, János Antal as secretary, Kerstin Koch as treasurer, and two vice presidents: Martin Hirzel and Kevin Snyman.

The post World Communion of Reformed Churches Europe visits Wales on solidarity trip appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Founded in Derby, Welcome Churches has grown into a network of more than 1,420 churches offering friendship and practical support. Its vision is that every refugee in the UK should be welcomed by a local Church, preferably within just a short walk of their accommodation.

Diss 51��Ƶ in Norfolk is among those taking part.

“We joined the Welcome Churches network when several Ukrainian refugees began attending Diss,” said Gabrielle Pagan, an elder at the church.

“We hosted a support group and, as part of Churches Together, collected funds for essential items. One highlight was discovering that two of the Ukrainian women were opera singers from Odesa. We found them a professional pianist, and they performed concerts at the church and across the district, which were very popular.”

Churches and community partners worked together to offer support, including a weekly welcome café, English classes and sewing groups. The congregation has also supported families placed in local hotels after arriving in the UK with few possessions.

“It’s been an interesting time,” Gabrielle added. “We’ve learnt a lot about the challenges people face when settling in a new country. It’s important to build strong local partnerships, use people’s gifts, and work out what you can offer.”

In Greater Manchester, churches led by the Revd Dr Kate Gray have also signed up to the network.

“We want the church to be in active and public solidarity with people who are marginalised,” she said. “That is what the Gospel means to us in this moment. We can’t remain silent when our brothers and sisters are the target of hostility.”

Kate said the network has provided encouragement and practical support, helping churches act together and “bear witness to pain, faith and solidarity”.

Several congregations are already seeing the benefits:

• St Paul’s with St John’s, Abbey Hey works with Rainbow Haven, supporting displaced people.
• Oasis Church and Community Hub, Salford runs weekly English sessions, with growing attendance, particularly among people from Hong Kong.
• Wilbraham St Ninian’s 51��Ƶ, Chorlton-cum-Hardy hosts welcome and wellbeing sessions, providing meals, travel support and a Rainbow People’s Choir.

The 51��Ƶ Public Issues team is encouraging more congregations to join the Welcome Churches network and explore how they can offer hospitality, support and solidarity in their local communities.

Roo Stewart, 51��Ƶ Head of Public Issues, said: “It is a shining example of the love of God that churches are ensuring that their spaces are welcoming and supportive not only of local people, who themselves are often experiencing impossible challenges because of the high cost of living, but also those new to the area who are seeking safety in the UK.

“In a time when some are trying to foment division and mistrust within our society, congregations connected with Welcome Church are demonstrating that love for God and love for neighbour, from whatever background, are inextricably linked and vital to our Christian faith and practice.”

James Lynch, CEO of Welcome Churches said, “Welcome Churches exists to help churches welcome refugees and to offer connection, integration, and a sense of belonging. It’s been our privilege to support over 1,400 churches in their journey of welcoming, and we are delighted that several 51��Ƶ churches are among them. We’d love to connect with many more, and to offer our support, training, and resources to more churches.

“Sharing about their experience of being part of the Welcome Network, a church in Sheffield said ‘Working with Welcome Churches is helping to turn our church inside out, helping us to reach out to people from all walks of life. We want to see more and more asylum seekers and refugees becoming part of the church, finding community, family and belonging.’

“P���𲹲��� to join the network. We would love to partner with you as you welcome the stranger among you, as Leviticus 19:34, Matthew 25:35, and Hebrews 13:2 encourages, and help provide a loving Christian community for those seeking sanctuary in your local community.”

.
Learn more about 51��Ƶ grants.

The post Local churches answer call to become ‘Welcome Churches’ for refugees appeared first on United Reformed Church.