Liverpool Cathedral Shuts Down UKIP's Unauthorized 'Walk With Jesus' Rally

Liverpool Cathedral Rejects UKIP's Unauthorized 'Walk With Jesus' Rally Planned for Lent

Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King has publicly distanced itself from a planned UKIP "Walk with Jesus" rally, confirming that the event organizers never sought or received permission to use the cathedral's piazza.

UKIP leader Nick Tenconi had urged supporters to "stand for Christ in Liverpool during Lent" at an event planned for March 21, 2026. Attendees were instructed to gather on the steps of Cathedral House at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

However, the Archdiocese of Liverpool made clear that neither the cathedral nor the archdiocese had been consulted about the march. In a statement released on March 4, the Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral said the cathedral had not authorized the event and strongly opposed its premises being used for partisan political purposes.

We are strongly opposed to the Cathedral being used by any organisation for partisan political activity.

The Dean emphasized that the cathedral's worshipping community consists of people of every nationality and that the Church respects the dignity of every person irrespective of their country of origin.

There is no place for prejudice, racism or bigotry towards others. We pray that these truths will be recognised by all.

This is not the first time UKIP's "Walk with Jesus" marches have faced resistance. In January 2026, police banned a similar march in Whitechapel, London, citing the potential for "significant disorder" given the area's large Muslim population. The march was redirected from Marble Arch to Trafalgar Square instead, drawing only around 30 attendees.

A subsequent UKIP march in Birmingham also drew only a few dozen supporters, with Tenconi staging a pre march prayer ritual outside a pub.

Catholic Cathedral Condemns UKIP Political Rally Disguised as Christian Event

The Dean's statement also referenced papal teaching on the need for patience and willingness to listen when encountering those of different backgrounds and faiths. The cathedral affirmed its commitment to religious freedom for all and called for unity rather than division.

Under Tenconi's leadership, UKIP has shifted its focus from traditional political issues toward what the party describes as defending Christian heritage, organizing marches through areas with significant Muslim populations across England.

The Crusader's Opinion

There is something deeply troubling when a political party co opts the name of Jesus Christ to advance a political agenda without even consulting the churches they claim to represent. The Cathedral was right to reject this. Christianity is not a flag to be waved at a rally for political points. The faith of our Lord belongs in the hearts of the faithful, in the pews of every denomination, and in the streets where believers serve the poor and broken. Not as a weapon in a culture war orchestrated by a party that could barely muster 30 people at its last march. If you want to walk with Jesus, try feeding the hungry, visiting the imprisoned, and loving your neighbor. That is the walk Christ calls us to.

Take Action

• Pray for unity among Christians in Liverpool and across the United Kingdom, that the faith is not exploited for political gain.
• Contact the Archdiocese of Liverpool to express your support for their stance: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk
• Support Christian unity efforts through Churches Together in England: www.cte.org.uk
• Donate to organizations protecting persecuted Christians worldwide at www.TheShepherdsShield.org
• Write to your local MP about protecting religious sites from being used for unauthorized political events.