London-based Reverend Jarel Robinson-Brown sparked a fierce backlash on social media on Wednesday night after condemning the national tribute to the life of the World War Two hero. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on the whole of the UK to stand outside their front door to honour the life of the 100-year-old national hero, who raised more than £32million for the NHS.
In a now-deleted post on Twitter, Reverend Robinson-Brown wrote: “The cult of Captain Tom is a cult of White British Nationalism.
“I will offer prayers for the repose of his kind and generous soul, but I will not be joining the ‘National Clap’.”
Reverend Robinson-Brown has since issued an apology for his remarks.
In a statement, the Diocese of London has confirmed an investigation has been launched and branded his comments “unacceptable, insensitive, and ill-judged”.
It read: “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.”
This is a developing news story, more to follow.
