Church of England Releases National Unity Prayer Ahead of 60,000 Strong Tommy Robinson Rally in London
The Church of England has released an official prayer for national unity, issued by Bishop Martyn Snow, head of the newly established Bishops' Working Group for Promoting Unity in our Nation. The prayer was published on 17 May 2026, shortly before Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom rally...
Bishop Martyn Snow's New Bishops' Working Group Asks God for Protection From "the Perils of Division and Hatred" as Britain Polarises
The Church of England has released an official prayer for national unity, issued by Bishop Martyn Snow, head of the newly established Bishops' Working Group for Promoting Unity in our Nation. The prayer was published on 17 May 2026, shortly before Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom rally in London drew approximately 60,000 attendees.
The prayer asks God for protection from "the perils of division and hatred" and gives thanks for those who "build up our common life."
Why Church of England National Unity Prayer Lands in the Middle of UK Christian Nationalism Debate
"We know that these are anxious and fearful times for many in our country," Bishop Snow said, "which makes the Church's calling for peace and reconciliation all the more pressing."
Police reported the simultaneous Tommy Robinson rally and pro Palestine march both proceeded largely without incident, with only minor arrests.
The prayer follows a Premier Christian News poll indicating roughly one quarter of British Christians identify as nationalists or hold sympathetic views. Robinson's speech encouraged political engagement ahead of the 2029 election, specifically promoting voter registration and local political involvement across political parties. The Church of England has long walked a delicate line between pastoral care and political neutrality. Bishop Snow's prayer is the latest attempt.
The Crusader's Opinion
The Church of England's unity prayer is good in principle. Christians should pray for national peace. But the rising support for movements like Reform UK and the Tommy Robinson rallies reflects real Christian grievances about cultural collapse, religious liberty erosion, and broken communities. Bishop Snow's prayer must not be code for telling concerned Christians to keep quiet. Real unity comes not from silencing dissenters but from the Church listening to the laity. Pray for peace. And speak the truth.
Take Action
- Read: The full Church of England national unity prayer
- Pray: For real peace in Britain alongside courage to speak the truth
- Contact: Your bishop urging engagement with the concerns animating Reform UK voters
- Read: The Premier Christian News poll on Christian nationalism in Britain
- Share: Bishop Snow's prayer and discuss its application
