A few years ago, I would rarely hear the concept of “Christian nationalism” discussed in a British context.
Aside from a passing mention by a speaker I heard in 2023 whilst at Forum - the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) summer gathering of students - the term's use was confined to American discourse on American phenomena, such as the 6 January Capitol riots and the theonomic propositions of Presbyterian pastor Doug Wilson.
Now it is rare I go a week without encountering at least one article published by Britain’s Christian media featuring “Christian nationalism” in the title.
The term found use to describe a growing movement of people that publicly emerged at the "Unite the Kingdom" rally last September. Organised by Tommy Robinson, those in attendance marched through London carrying crosses alongside our national flags, before arriving at a stage in Whitehall to hear from speakers that included ministers of Anglican and Pentecostal churches. This was subsequently followed by a Christmas carol service led by Robinson and the same ministers - self-described as the “Patriot pastors” - in December, and reports in the secular media that an increasing number of those who went to these events have since started to attend church.
An apparent split amongst evangelicals
These developments drew the attention of several leaders within British evangelicalism, which I observed contrasted from each other in tone.
On the one hand, some were mostly negative.
Evangelical Alliance CEO Gav Calver signed a letter alongside other representatives of Christian denominations and organisations that described the rally as featuring "racist, anti-Muslim and far-right elements," which caused "many individuals and communities" to feel "unsettled and even threatened." It also called the use of the cross and other Christian symbols at the event as "co-opting… the Christian faith to exclude others."
And on the other hand, some were more positive.
In an online statement, Affinity director Graham Nicholls expressed gladness at the appearance of Christian imagery at the rally, suggesting it indicates "some people recognise the value of our Christian heritage and are… seeking to reconnect with it." He added that the event was a "cultural moment" that "presents many gospel opportunities."
A lack of consensus has led to this split
The reason for such differing responses, I believe, is because there is a lack of consensus among evangelicals as to what this British incarnation of “Christian nationalism” is.
To some, it is a lower case “c” and upper case “N”: “christian [sic] Nationalism." In this instance, the proponents are intentionally misusing Christian symbols to justify discrimination of ethnic and religious minorities that do not fit inside their narrow worldview.
To others, both the “c” and the “n” are lower case, because “christian [sic] nationalism” is a perhaps unexpected comeback for the cultural Christianity that seemed to be an immovable part of British identity until recent years. Those participating in these events then are expressing their appreciation for a national culture to a more visible extent than before, as they see it disappearing quickly.
While these definitions at first glance seem similar, with both characterised by a lack of genuine Christian faith for the most part, importantly the motives are distinct from each other.
A brief reflection
In my opinion, both are accurate. The September "Unite the Kingdom" rally, according to Met Police estimates, was attended by over 110,000 people, so it is not unrealistic to think there was more than one definitional group of “Christian nationalists” present.
Evangelical responses to future public displays of “Christian nationalism," including a rally in May confirmed by Tommy Robinson, should, I think, take that into consideration.
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