麻豆社

In September the 鈥楿nite the Kingdom鈥� rally, organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, drew many thousands of people to London. Advertised as the UK鈥檚 biggest 鈥楩ree Speech Festival鈥�, speakers made calls to reaffirm Britain鈥檚 Christian foundations. Many held wooden crosses and flags with Christian slogans, and the crowds were led in reciting the Lord鈥檚 Prayer.

In response to the march, a group of Church of England bishops and senior clergy joined leaders from across denominations to write a letter condemning the 鈥渃o-opting or corrupting鈥� of the Christian faith and symbols to exclude others. The letter said that 鈥榗ommunities felt anxious, unsettled and even threatened by aspects of the march.鈥�

Meanwhile operation 鈥楻aise the Colours鈥�, a campaign to cover Britain in flags, has seen St. George鈥檚 flags appear on lamp posts across England. Some see flying the flag as patriotism, while others are concerned and say the movement is underpinned by far-right nationalists.

Today we鈥檒l explore the issues. Why is it different to fly a Welsh Flag or a St. George鈥檚 Cross? What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism? In what way was the 鈥楿nite the Kingdom鈥� march unsettling and exclusionary to others? Delyth Liddell is joined by Reverend Rhys Llwyd, leader of a Welsh speaking Baptist Church in Caernarfon, North Wales. The Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn who has recently written an article arguing that the flying of flags is a cry from long neglected communities. Suzanne Philpott lives near Swansea. She attended the 鈥楿nite the Kingdom鈥� rally in September and is a Christian. Ross Hendry is from Llanelli and is the CEO of Christian Action Research and Education. He was a joint signatory of the letter 鈥淒o not 鈥榗o-opt鈥� the cross to divide."