'Not in our name': Rector of Wolverhampton speaks out after church used in anti-immigration demonstration

The rector of Wolverhampton has distanced the city's main civic church from an anti-immigration demonstration which took place on the steps outside last week.

Canon Jeremy Dussek said he was saddened by the 'gathering' which was held outside St Peter's Collegiate Church on Tuesday (June 9), and did not in any way endorse it.

The group, some of whom were carrying 'White Lives Matter' and 'Unite the Kingdom' placards, assembled in St Peter's Gardens.

A video posted online showed a woman using a public address system, telling their critics to “F*** off”.

Organisers said they had held the event to “stand with Belfast” after a Sudanese man was arrested following an alleged 'attempted beheading' in Belfast.

One man who was at the gathering told the Express & Star: “The community has had enough of the way they are being treated, the way they are being lied to by the Government and councils. We want answers and we want them now."

But Mr Dussek said this event in no way reflected the views of the church, which was proud of its diverse congregation, and regretted that organisers had used the building as the backdrop.

In response to the demonstration, Mr Dussek invited church members to join him in singing a hymn in the same spot as where the demonstration took place.

Mr Dussek said: "At churches and faiths across the city we stand as one against violence and hatred towards others, especially in light of the terrible events in Belfast, Southampton and other cities.

"We seek to work as one to support peace in the world, not sow division, and we are here for all the people in this city."