Join our panel as they explore the association of far right groups with Christian imagery and symbolism. How concerned should we be? 30/01/2025

In America and in Europe far right extremism has gained ground over recent years, and has sometimes done so by using Christian language, symbols and imagery. Christianity and the language of Christian civilisation has been weaponised as a way of “defending” countries against Muslims, migrants and multiculturalism.

How prevalent, and how concerning, is this? What does it say about the role of faith in public life? How have churches responded? Is all talk of “Christian civilisation” beyond the pale? And is there a distinctive and constructive Christian response that doesn’t simply see the churches aping secular liberal platitudes?

What to expect

This online event will be chaired by Theos Senior Fellow, Dr Nick Spencer.

We will hear from the co–editors of The Church, the Far Right, and the Claim to Christianity, Helen Paynter and Maria Power, followed by a panel discussion. There will be a dedicated Q&A session afterwards.

Dr Maria Power is a Senior Research Fellow in Human Dignity at the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford.

Rev Dr Helen Paynter is Founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, and the Director of Theological Education at Bristol Baptist College.

This event will take place online from 12:30 – 13:30+ on Thursday 27th February 2025. Find out more and book tickets here.  

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