Tensions Flare at Doncaster Minster During Anti-Immigration Protest
In a surprising turn of events during a Unite the Right UK rally, a confrontation unfolded between demonstrators and a church leader at Doncaster Minster, prompting an apology from the event’s organizer.
Rev Canon Dr Richard Firth, Vicar of Doncaster Minster, found himself at the center of a heated exchange after protesters opposing illegal immigration accused him of using bell-ringing to interfere with their speeches. Police were on hand to provide protection as the altercation took place inside the church.
Video footage captured Canon Firth refuting the accusations, explaining to the group, “It’s Saturday. The bell ringers practise on Saturday.” Protesters had earlier marched through Doncaster High Street, brandishing flags and anti-immigration signs before convening outside the church.
A video posted on Facebook by Active Patriot UK shows one protester questioning Canon Firth about his presence at a counter-protest, challenging his stance as a Christian. “You seem to be very happy to be at a counter-protest and yet you’re supposed to be a Christian preacher,” the protester asserted. “Yet you clearly don’t support British values and you don’t support Britain, because you’re happy to see this country being invaded.”
The situation escalated as police intervened, creating a barrier between the protesters and the vicar. Images shared by Active Patriot UK depict a strong police presence surrounding the minster and securing the entrance.
Unite The Right UK spokesperson Steve Dand addressed the situation in a video statement, expressing dissatisfaction with the actions of those involved. “I want to clarify a few things about the march on Saturday which we at Unite The Right UK are not happy about,” he stated.
“We’re not happy that people entered the church to confront the vicar. We know that the vicar attended the counter protest – we weren’t impressed that happened – but that doesn’t give people the right to enter that church and confront him about it.”
Dand continued to distance the group from the individuals involved, stating, “These auditors do not represent Unite The Right UK. They have nothing to do with us. I don’t condone what they did.” He emphasized that the confrontation was inappropriate, adding, “Entering a house of God and confronting the vicar was out of order – it should never have happened. I will personally apologise to the vicar for what was done.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
