From the Dean, Metropolitan Cathedral, Archdiocese of Liverpool,

In response to the many voices of concern regarding the advertised UKIP ‘Walk with Jesus Rally’ we wish to make it clear that the Cathedral has not given permission for this to take place on our piazza nor have the organisers consulted the Cathedral in relation to this. We wish to make it clear that we are strongly opposed to the Cathedral being used by any organisation for partisan political activity giving the impression that this is done in our name or ‘the Christian community on Merseyside’. Our worshipping community consists of people of every nationality and we welcome all to the Church.

The Catholic Church respects the dignity of every person irrespective of their country of origin and recognises the religious freedom of people of all faiths and none. Every person is created equal by God. As Pope Leo XIV has said of meeting other people, ‘We must meet one another… This requires patience, a willingness to listen, the ability to identify with the pain of others, and the recognition that we have the same dreams and the same hopes.’

There is no place for prejudice, racism or bigotry towards others. We pray that these truths will be recognised by all.

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