Why Tommy Robinson and his followers are turning to Christianity

Key Concepts

• Bishop Kyrion Dar: A figure leading a new, more militant and political form of Christianity, rejecting the Church of England.
• Mass Baptisms: Public baptism ceremonies organized by Bishop Dar and others, often held in natural settings like beaches.
• Tommy Robinson: A far-right activist with whom Bishop Dar has associated, providing a platform for Dar's message.
• Unite the Kingdom Rally: A large-scale march organized by Tommy Robinson, where Bishop Dar has spoken.
• Christian Nationalism: The ideology of identifying a nation as inherently Christian and advocating for Christian principles to guide its governance and culture.
• Islamophobia/Anti-Islam Sentiment: A significant theme in the discourse, with concerns raised about the integration of Muslim communities and the perceived threat of Islam to Western culture.
• Culture War/Clash of Civilizations: The framing of societal conflicts, particularly between Christianity and Islam, as existential struggles for cultural dominance.
• Social Media and Online Radicalization: The role of platforms like Instagram and YouTube in spreading these ideologies and connecting like-minded individuals.
• Ricky Dulan: An independent church leader and spiritual advisor to Tommy Robinson, involved in organizing online baptisms.
• Church of England (Establishment Church): The traditional, established Christian church in Britain, which is criticized by figures like Bishop Dar and seen as too progressive or irrelevant by some.
• Sam Wells (Vicar of St. Martins in the Fields): A representative of the establishment Church of England, who condemns the weaponization of Christian imagery by the far-right.

Bishop Kyrion Dar and the "New Christianity"

Bishop Kyrion Dar is presented as a leader of a new, more "militant" and "political" form of Christianity, which he uses to gather followers. He explicitly rejects the Church of England, labeling them as heretics. His ministry involves organizing mass baptisms, such as one held on a beach in Cornwall, where individuals respond to his calls made on social media. These events are described as attracting people who have been influenced by his speeches, particularly those delivered at Tommy Robinson's "Unite the Kingdom" rallies.

Association with Tommy Robinson and Far-Right Politics

A significant aspect of Bishop Dar's public profile is his association with Tommy Robinson. Dar addressed a crowd of 150,000 at the Unite the Kingdom march in central London and had previously shared a stage with Robinson. This connection is a point of contention, with critics labeling Dar as "far-right." Dar rejects this label, stating he laughs at it now, but acknowledges that it has become a "moniker." He clarifies that his appeal to Robinson's platform was not about endorsing Robinson's politics per se, but rather the opportunity to "pray for the people and this nation" in front of a large audience. However, the transcript notes that marching "front and center with Tommy Robinson" can be interpreted as endorsing his politics, even if the intention is to focus on the platform.

Views on Immigration, Islam, and National Identity

Bishop Dar's message resonates with individuals concerned about immigration and Islam. One follower states that Dar "preaches around the political side a bit more, especially when it comes to, you know, immigration and Islam." This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that Britain has "lost a lot of that" Christian culture and identity. Dar expresses a desire to see "more Christianity at the heart of our politics" and "more Christian principles once again driving our legal system."

He articulates a concern about multiculturalism when "so many elements that refuse to get into the great melding pot of multiculturalism, but remain outside and try and force that culture, force that religious system, force that legal system into a a cult, an existing culture." He believes this inevitably leads to problems. While acknowledging Britain as a "multinational, multicultural, multifaith Britain," he suggests that when certain groups do not integrate, it creates conflict.

"War with the Muslim" Statement Clarification

The transcript addresses a statement attributed to Dar: "We are at war with the Muslim." Dar clarifies that he did not say "we are at war with the Muslim" but rather "we are not just... implying we are at war with the Muslim." He admits that his message, after listening to a full day of speeches, "didn't come across quite the way I'd hoped to have expressed it."

The Rise of Christian Nationalism and Online Influence

The video explores the growing influence of Christian nationalism, where Christian identity is intertwined with political and cultural agendas. This movement is described as using Christian imagery not just as a "flag to rally behind, but a cross, too." Supporters believe it is their right to "show our flag, march with the cross, say prayers at these things" as an expression of their identity.

Social Media's Role in Radicalization

The spread of these ideologies is significantly attributed to social media. Maria Power, who researches the far-right's use of religion, notes that this phenomenon is "coming over to us from the states" and has been visible for "about four or five years ago, particular pastors talking this way, podcasts emerging and content emerging on places like YouTube." The transcript highlights how easily individuals can fall "down the rabbit hole of the algorithm."

Online Baptisms and Ricky Dulan

Ricky Dulan is presented as another figure involved in this new wave of Christianity, organizing online religious services and mass baptisms. He is described as a "longtime friend and follower of Tommy Robinson and more recently his spiritual adviser." Dulan recounts visiting Robinson in prison and states that Robinson "received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in that visit," marking a "new journey." Dulan effectively facilitated Robinson's conversion.

Anti-Islam Rhetoric and "Holy War"

The discourse surrounding this movement often includes anti-immigrant and anti-Islam sentiments, with some promoting the idea of a "holy war." The transcript questions whether the "time of the crusades will need to come again if we are to return," with the justification being that Britain is "overrun in every way." New groups on Instagram are using "crusader imagery to start the final war on Islam," attracting over 50,000 followers.

The "Clash of Civilizations" Narrative

The connection between personal faith and politics is seen as elevating these movements beyond ground-level protest. When contrasted with Islam, particularly online, it escalates into a "culture war" and potentially a "clash of civilizations."

Establishment Church vs. New Christian Movements

The video contrasts the emerging, politically charged Christianity with the established Church of England. St. Martins in the Fields, a Church of England church, is presented as representing the "establishment that Tommy Robinson and others rail against." Sam Wells, the vicar of St. Martins, signed an open letter accusing the far-right of corrupting the Christian faith.

Criticism of the Church of England

Wells acknowledges that the Church of England has become "a bit more warm and cuddly, progressive, liberal," and suggests that as a result, it has "failed to meet some of these political challenges." This has led to a situation where people are "marching in the street behind the cross, but they're not necessarily filling the pews."

The Pain of Weaponized Faith

Wells describes the Christian symbols, such as the cross, as representing "love and understanding and peace and gentleness." He feels it is "very painful" when these symbols are "being thrust in people's faces as weapons."

The Dilemma of Relevance

Wells discusses the challenge faced by the church: if it aligns with the "raw emotion of people who feel they've been deprived of something," it risks being "clumsy." Conversely, if it does not engage with these emotions, it is "in danger of being called irrelevant." He concludes that "you can't quite win really."

Conclusion: A New Christian Politics on the March

The summary concludes by emphasizing that this phenomenon is not solely about the extreme right using Christianity, but also about "some Christians using the far right to reach new audiences." The video suggests that a "new Christian politics in all sorts of ways and all sorts of places is on the march." The planned mass baptisms across the country signify the ongoing growth and reach of this movement.