By Aili Winstanley Channer
Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham and Bishop Richard Moth of Arundel and Brighton, lead bishops for dialogue and unity and for social justice for the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, released the statement on Dec 17 in response to “the tensions that are growing in society and the desire by some groups to sow seeds of division within our communities”, which “does not reflect the spirit or message of Christmas”. It follows a wave of services and demonstrations in opposition to the “weaponisation” of Christmas by anti-immigration activists.
Archbishop Longley and Bishop Moth called for Catholics to renew their commitment to the true significance of Christmas. They said that the four candles lit across the Sundays of Advent “symbolise hope, peace, joy and love”, and that these should form the focus of Catholics’ liturgy, prayer, and social action, making the participation in Advent and celebration of Christmas a “lived response in opposition to those who seek division”.
On the theme of hope, they said: “There was ‘no room at the inn’ for the Saviour of the world. We recognise that many people feel marginalised, unheard and overlooked. The incarnation demonstrates God’s love for all. The angels appeared to the shepherds, the poorest of the poor. Our parishes across the country will be filled with people from all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities, a beautiful demonstration of our unity and a sign of hope that faith brings people together from all walks of life.”
Archbishop Longley and Bishop Moth called for Christians to be “bridgebuilders and peacemakers”, with “a spirit of openness to everyone”, including through interfaith dialogue and solidarity.
They said: “We have seen increased hostility towards religious communities in this country. However, in this 60th Anniversary year of the Declaration of the Second Vatican Council’s Nostra Aetate, we renew our gratitude for our fellowship with other faith communities, especially at this special time for Christians.”
They quoted Pope Leo XIV’s words on the anniversary of Nostra Aetate: “We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly or sisterly way any man or woman created in the image of God.”
They said: “We are committed to dialogue and we continue to pray for peace between our different faiths in our own communities and abroad, on the basis of our shared desire across the different faith communities to work for peace in the world.”
The bishops emphasised the importance of prayer and charitable action for Catholics to prepare for Jesus’ arrival at Christmas: “Through the charitable work of the Church we bring love, material support and fraternity to those in particular need. As Pope Benedict wrote, charity is an indispensable part of the very being of the Church.
“Our communities will be donating to foodbanks, giving generously to charities, visiting the lonely and our churches provide places for peace, prayer and reflection. Just as the shepherds and magi were welcomed into the stable, so should our parishes be places of sanctuary and welcome for all.
“We recognise the millions of Catholics across the country who are living out their faith in their local communities in a way which unites us in serving the common good. As Pope Benedict said, ‘Love of neighbour is a path that leads to the encounter with God.’ This is at the heart of what it is to be a Catholic at Christmas.” – The Tablet
