CHURCH leaders in Liverpool have distanced themselves from a “Walk with Jesus Rally” in the city arranged for Friday by the far-Right UK Independence Party (UKIP). “Our calling is not to sow discord, but to build bridges,” they said in a joint statement, issued on Tuesday.

The rally has been arranged as a march, gathering on the piazza of the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral. UKIP has invited its supporters to “Stand for Christ in Liverpool during Lent”. The rally was announced by UKIP on social media on 23 February, the Liverpool Echo reported, and, on 4 March, the cathedral’s Dean, Mgr Anthony O’Brien, issued a statement saying that permission had not been given to use the piazza. The police announced this week that they had been notified of the event and issued a statement setting out their approach to policing it.

The Interim Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop, the Most Revd John Sherrington, are among the signatories of the Churches’ statement. “We wish to clearly and unequivocally state that this event has been organised independently of the recognised Christian community on Merseyside and resist any suggestion that it speaks on our behalf,” the statement says.

Also signed by Methodist, Baptist, Salvation Army, United Reformed, and Evangelical church leaders, it continues: “Liverpool has a proud history of resilience, solidarity and loving its neighbour. Often described as ‘the world in one city,’ it is a place shaped by generations of people from many nations, cultures and faiths who have built a shared life together. That rich diversity is a testament to what can flourish when we choose unity over division. We remain committed to reflecting these values throughout our congregations and in our everyday lives.

“Our calling is not to sow discord, but to build bridges; not to exclude, but to welcome; not to inflame fear, but to practise compassion. In that spirit, we are dedicated to unity and to upholding the dignity of every person in our society. The Christian message is one which speaks of God’s love for all people and we cannot accept any partisan political activity giving the impression that this is done in our name or the Christian community on Merseyside.

“At a time when voices of isolationism can seem loud, we have chosen to raise our voice for the common good.”