Jarel Robinson-Brown’s comments regarding Captain Sir Tom Moore were unacceptable, insensitive, and ill-judged. The fact that he immediately removed his tweet and subsequently apologised does not undo the hurt he has caused, not least to Captain Tom’s family. Nor do Jarel’s actions justify the racist abuse he is now receiving.
A review is now underway, led by the Archdeacon of London. As a Church, we expect clergy to ensure that all online activity is in line with the Church of England’s social media guidelines and built on truth, kindness and sensitivity to others. It is incumbent upon all of us to make social media and the web more widely positive places for conversations to happen.
I just wonder if you, or Robinson-Brown (I hesitate to call him Reverend) appreciate that his statement is at least as racist as that of the nastiest right wing thug? I very much hope you do.
All that was done here was to publish the Church of England’s statement on this matter. Most of us are Americans, and have no idea what this is about. I read a quick article on it, and I can tell you that I DO appreciate that his statement was as racist as that of the nastiest right wing thug. I wasn’t particularly impressed with his apology, either.
From what I understand, Captain Tom accomplished something remarkable that benefitted thousand’s of people. I can’t see anything at all that should have provoked such an ugly response from Mr. Brown. Based on the limits of this example I somehow doubt Mr. Brown will ever accomplish as much as Captain Tom. May the memory of Captain Tom be eternal!
The CofE needs to decide what it is.
Islam knows what it stands for, Judaism also and most of the recognised religions in the world.
Only the Church of England seems to be unsure of its identity and purpose.
Is it an auxiliary branch of the Social Services? An ineffectual champion of everything and everybody, (except Bible believing Christians.) A kind of Billy NoMates desperately trying to buy friendship in the schoolyard…
Or is it a branch of Christianity that has lost its way. No longer willing to serve the Gospel of Christ, yet still rejected by the society it seeks to please.
Jarel Robinson-Brown’s showboating comments are but a manifestation of how lost the Church of England really is.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” Revelation 2.