Pastor’s show of unity in protest at Trump’s ban
Baptist minister is organising multi-faith event in Yiewsley
A CHURCH pastor is arranging a multi-faith evening as a show of opposition to Donald Trump’s “appalling” immigration policy.
Rich Blake-Lobb from Yiewsley Baptist Church says he wants to demonstrate the Hillingdon community is united in peace, love and unity, and opposed to all forms of tyranny.
He called the executive order signed by Donald Trump which banned citizens from seven countries with a majority Muslim population “discriminatory and divisive” and said he was “ashamed” that Trump had the support of so many “white evangelical Christians”.
The pastor said he felt compelled to organise the event, which takes place at the church in Colham Avenue at 7pm on Thursday, February 2.
He said: “People are petitioning and protesting around the world and I believe we should come together to highlight our unity. As a symbol of solidarity with our Muslim neighbours, to build relationships with one another and create bridges between our different faiths I propose that we come together this week to show that here in the London Borough of Hillingdon we are united against all forms of tyranny and support peace.”
The event, which is expected to include talks, comes as Westminster Council is being urged to not work with the government in arranging a state visit for Donald Trump.
And that comes on the back of more than a million people in the country signing a petition opposing his visit to the UK.
Revd Blake-Lobb hopes the event will demonstrate a welcoming and caring and united community, and has asked leaders of different faiths and communities, and members of Hillingdon Council, to attend.
And he hit out at those who continue to support the president in America. He said: “It has been widely reported that white, evangelical Christian’s (including Baptists) supported President Trump’s election and continue to support him as he signs executive orders that are discriminatory and divisive.
“I am white British, a Christian and would most likely be described as evangelical. I am embarrassed and ashamed of the things that are being said in the name of the religion that I care for deeply.
“I and many of my fellow evangelical Christians do not agree with President Trump or with those who support him.”
The pastor is also planning to attend an open day at Hayes Muslim Centre on Saturday and Sunday (February 4 and 5), and is encouraging his congregation to do the same.
The event at Yiewsley Baptist Church is open to everyone.