Bishop Arun Arora Condemns Political Attacks on Public Muslim Prayer in London
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, prepared to distribute dinner packages to attendees at an open iftar event held at Trafalgar Square in London on 16 March 2026. This gathering, a communal meal to break the fast during Ramadan, has sparked significant controversy from certain political figures, prompting a robust defence from religious leaders.
Christian Acts of Worship in Public Spaces
Bishop Arun Arora of Kirkstall in the diocese of Leeds highlights that public religious observances are commonplace across Britain. Every year on Remembrance Day, just a short distance from Trafalgar Square, the bishop of London leads an open-air Christian service featuring hymns, Bible readings, and prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. Similar services occur nationwide, including in Leeds where Bishop Arora participates alongside leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim faiths. He notes that these unmistakably Christian events have never drawn complaints from other faith communities about dominating public spaces or intimidating others.
Political Criticism and Islamophobic Rhetoric
In contrast, the open iftar has faced criticism from figures such as Nick Timothy, the shadow justice secretary, who labelled it part of an "Islamist playbook" aiming to replace Christianity. This argument has been echoed by Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, suggesting public iftars undermine Christian values. Bishop Arora rejects these claims as irrational fearmongering and Islamophobic slurs disguised as policy concerns. He emphasises that Islamophobia is not a Christian virtue; true Christian values involve respecting the God-given dignity of all people, seeking the common good, and living peacefully with neighbours.
Historical Context and Rising Tensions
Bishop Arora references Queen Elizabeth II's 2012 speech at Lambeth Palace, where she stated the Church of England's duty is to protect the free practice of all faiths, not exclude other religions. This perspective clashes with calls to restrict Muslim prayer to private settings. An editorial in Jewish News further supports this view, arguing that targeting moderate Muslims for public worship is counterproductive in combating extremism. Reports indicate a rise in anti-Muslim violence in England and Wales, with Bishop Arora warning that inflammatory comments from politicians could embolden such crimes and mainstream extremist ideologies.
Call for Unity Amid Division
At a time when Britain feels increasingly divided, Bishop Arora urges drawing on Christian values to reject hate and focus on unity. He stresses that public religious events, whether Christian or Muslim, should be celebrated as expressions of faith that foster community rather than division. The bishop's message underscores the importance of protecting religious freedom and promoting mutual respect in a diverse society.
