Off the bustling thoroughfare in Southern London, within one of the city’s most economically challenged areas, the festive spirit is in full swing. The tea kettle is brewing, and a lengthy table is adorned with a variety of dishes, from cheese sandwiches to a beetroot cake, along with plates brimming with houmous and olives. A Christmas tree sparkles in one corner, while a large tropical fig tree has also been adorned with holiday lights.
The Christmas celebration at the Oasis St Martin’s Village hub in Tulse Hill marks the beginning of a larger endeavor. This marks the inaugural ‘Together at Christmas’ community gathering – the first in a series of trial events scheduled throughout the 2025 holiday season, with aspirations to expand to 1,000 gatherings by the following Christmas.
In recent times, religious leaders and church officials have expressed concerns regarding attempts by extremist factions to politicize and manipulate Christmas. “Many of us, across the UK, are troubled by the growing divisions in our society,” stated Steve Chalke MBE, a prominent British Baptist minister and the founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust. “We are disturbed by the increasing levels of fear, loneliness, blame, exclusion, intimidation, and even outright hostility.”
Chalke is among a rising group of grassroots leaders, religious organizations, charities, and businesses supporting We Are United, a movement aimed at uniting communities amidst escalating isolation and polarization. “Together at Christmas represents the first national initiative of this movement – a warm, community-driven call for connection, inclusivity, and optimism,” Chalke elaborated. “Instead of responding with discord or disunity, We Are United has chosen a much older and more impactful approach – sharing a meal.”
“We aspire that next Christmas, today’s gathering will be replicated in over 1,000 villages, towns, and cities – and for many Christmases to follow.” Community meals that bring neighbors together are open to all, where individuals from different backgrounds come together to share a meal, each other’s companionship, and stories – supported by local volunteers and community partners who believe in the importance of ensuring that no one feels isolated or unwelcome, especially during the holiday season.
“Christmas can be a time of joy, but for many, it can also be a challenging period – marked by loneliness, stress, or feelings of being overwhelmed,” Chalke remarked. “This is more than just a meal – it’s a gesture of community. It’s about conveying the message, ‘you are valued, you belong, and no one is left out here.'”
In December, far-right activist Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, spearheaded a carol concert event in Central London with the aim of “restoring the Christ-centric essence of Christmas.” As hymn sheets were distributed to the attendees, Robinson emphasized the initiation of “a new Christian revival in the UK – a moment to reclaim and celebrate our heritage, culture, and Christian identity.”
Dame Sarah Mullally, the incoming archbishop of Canterbury, cautioned in her Christmas Day sermon about how discussions on immigration are dividing rather than uniting the nation, emphasizing the need for a shared human connection. The Church of England has launched a poster campaign at bus stops nationwide, underscoring the compassion at the core of the Christian message. The posters assert, “Christ has always been in Christmas. Outsiders are welcome.”
London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who was accused by the far-right of ‘cancelling Christmas’ in the city, delivered a message of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ at his annual Christmas Carol Concert at Southwark Cathedral. “This Christmas, Jesus’ call to open our hearts feels more significant than ever,” expressed the Mayor.
The past week has witnessed ‘Together at Christmas’ events taking place across the country, from Hull in Yorkshire to Slough in Berkshire and London’s Waterloo. Julie Siddiqi MBE, Lady Mayoress of Slough Borough Council and a prominent community leader at the Britwell center, views these gatherings as a response to those seeking to sow discord during the holiday season.
“I embrace this concept, as I prefer standing for something rather than against it,” Siddiqi stated. “I refuse to be swayed by hatred. In our national discourse, elected officials are propagating damaging and divisive rhetoric. Ideas that were once marginal have now permeated mainstream discussions.”
“In reality, we rely on one another. People need people. We just need to support each other. When individuals come together, they discover more common ground than they initially thought. People are concerned about similar issues – their children’s education, ensuring their children eat well, managing screen time. They are not focused on global politics.”
“What I’ve observed at our community center is that nobody pays attention to my headscarf. When we are assisting each other, differences fade into the background.” In Tulse Hill, Christoff Taylor, the founder of the