On Saturday 13th December, Unite the Kingdom organised an xmas carol service in Whitehall, London with Tommy Robinson speaking (among others).
Somehow I found myself watching the whole event on YouTube courtesy of some kind Tommy Robinson supporter. I would have gone in person, but as no-one commissioned me, I was just watching out of interest. I guess I was in attendance. Attendance, in my case, does not mean support.
This is an alternative blog, so you'll have to tolerate any slight aberrations in the journalistic ether.
However. You may want to know how many people were there. I'd estimate there were just over 600 people. The performers on the tiny stage were more diverse than the crowd... who, to be fair on them, were not violent, despite being sandwiched by police between a protest against digital ID cards and a counterprotest by Stand Up to Racism.
There was nothing slick about anything I saw and I didn't feel it was purposefully unprofessional - I think they were probably saving resources. The small stage was decorated with lights, tinsel, baubles and two large crosses to the left and to the right.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Violence? Overt racism? I still do not know what 'Auditors' are and I wasn't entirely convinced that the man who said he was going to get some M&Ms after the 'service' was really going to get some chocolate. I shouldn't joke about all that, the drug problem in the UK is very, very real.
Anyway - the service was led by a worship group and the Christian patriots were out in force with the 'Christ is King' signs and huge crosses. Online (at least on my feed, there were a further 5000 or so watching, wise enough to keep away from possible violence and the cold).
There was some debate in the lead up about whether or not the whole thing was a protest or a simple carol concert. But it was no more simply a carol concert than electroshock therapy remains simply a therapy.
Tommy Robinson arrived treated like a celebrity. It got worse. My mind gets a little esoteric at times (as I still have mental health problems which God has seen fit not to heal). So I wasn't terribly sure who they were talking about when they said someone was God incarnate. By the end of the whole thing, I felt sure they meant Tommy Robinson was. They almost made me a believer.
I didn't see any violence. If there were arrests, I missed them. And the service/protest followed a typical church service format. Singing. Sermons (from the 'patriot priests/preachers' or whatever they are getting called (and basking in)). Testimonies from people. Who is 'Young Bob'? I don't know. I've not had time to research - people there liked him though and want him for PM. Is he Very Important? Maybe he is a John the Baptist type figure? By this time I had entered full madness and was unable to do more than watch, like the lefty loon I so clearly am.
A question arose from deep within. 'Hold on. Robinson claims that he has become a believer while in prison and I somehow have my doubts, so what has he got to say about that?'
And yes, he said, "I used to hate the Church." I only had my paper and pen nearby, being so under-resourced, so I tried to jot down what he said. But some random person (no person is random) on the feed which was going as batsh*t crazy as my mind, wrote "Tommy Robinson is definitely a messenger of God" and this may have set me off to full-blown insanity (again).
I did my breathing exercises and fought off my demons and managed to retain something resembling humanity.
"So glad I'm a British Christian" said one speaker giving a testimony. I had some sympathy. Why can't we be as patriotic as so many of the Americans? Why can't we be proud of our country? Bloody lefties and their insistence on criticism of country. Let's complain about the complainers!
There was talk about protecting children, and then, weirdly, a reading from the Bible about how Christ, as a baby, was a refugee in the nativity story (having to seek safe-haven in Egypt). It seemed counter-productive to various agendas in context.
Then it went full-on Elmer Gantry with one of the preachers saying, "You're not a jumped-up monkey!"
"Every other religion says 'do, do, do' but Christ crucified says 'done, done, done!'" they said (before telling everyone to pray more).
"Christ wants to step into your hearts tonight, patriots."
Which I thought was sweet as the 'flyer' had said that this whole event would herald a Christian revival in the UK and, I dunno, the quiet revival could do with a boost and, as I have said before, must, by necessity be as inclusive as the gospel. Which, again to be fair to them, was preached at least in word. Though sadly not in action.
"Do you have space in your heart for Christ?"
Yes Sir! And asylum seekers, Muslims, Jews and refugees. Yes Sir!
"We see an agenda to take Christ out of everything" said another speaker. Then they said that we should all go to find a church where we are wanted, except for the C of E they said, who do not want any of us.
See, you wouldn't get this stuff on the BBC.
Now I need to go to lie down in a darkened room again (seriously, try it, it's self-care).
I'm unlikely to blog here again before the new year, so will end my review with my rating, a final word and a question.
Two out of five stars from me (an extra star for the lack of violence but a loss of three stars for the lack of the promised full-blown revival).
Question - If Tommy Robinson is really now a believer, then why hasn't he stepped down from his position, as his conscience should ask him to?
Happy xmas all.
Check out my other current blog which relates to this story...
www.christianrevival.uk
