Bishop Rose Photo Courtesy Diocese of Canterbury
The Bishop of Dover, the Rt Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, is calling on communities to come together and strive for peace and harmony ahead of tomorrow’s ‘biggest free speech’ rally and anticipated counter-protests. This comes at the end of a week which has witnessed the murder of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and further deaths in the Channel by those attempting to reach the UK.
Bishop Rose has recently spoken with clarity and conviction about the need for love, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of growing hostility and fear. Her reflections, shaped by a summer of dialogue across communities in the UK and the US, remind us that the message of the cross is one of radical compassion, inclusion and love.
“If we really care about all of God’s children in the one world that God has created,” Bishop Rose writes, “we must challenge the politicisation of migration and the push to encourage fear of those who come to our shores.”
The Bishop is urging all participants—whether in support or opposition—to reject hatred and violence and resolve to stand firmly against the dehumanisation of migrants and refugees, and affirm the dignity of every person, regardless of origin or circumstance.
Emphasising the themes of her latest video message, Bishop Rose said:
“While we must continue to champion the right to peaceful protest, I also want to affirm our responsibility to ensure that such expressions do not become platforms for intolerance or aggression. I call on civic leaders, faith communities, and individuals to be courageous advocates for truth, justice, and peace. Let us remember that our flourishing as a nation has long depended on the contributions of those who have come to live and work among us. Let us not allow fear to define our response but instead be courageous enough to choose the path of love—just as Jesus commanded: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
“Please join me in prayer and action:
- For peace and safety during the upcoming demonstrations.
- For wisdom and compassion among our leaders.
- For a renewed commitment to justice, truth, and hospitality.
“Together, let us build a community where all are treated with respect and where love triumphs over fear.”