Off a bustling thoroughfare in South London, within one of the city’s most economically challenged areas, the festive spirit is in full swing. A tea urn hums with warmth, and a lengthy table displays a spread ranging from cheese sandwiches to a beetroot cake, along with plates brimming with houmous and olives. A Christmas tree sparkles in one corner, while a large tropical fig tree is also adorned with festive lights.
The festive gathering at the Oasis St Martin’s Village hub in Tulse Hill marks the inception of something significant. It marks the debut of the ‘Together at Christmas’ community meal initiative, part of a series of trial events scheduled for the 2025 holiday season, with aspirations to expand to 1,000 meals by the following Christmas.
In recent times, religious and community leaders have expressed concerns over efforts by extremist groups to politicize and exploit Christmas. Steve Chalke MBE, a prominent British Baptist minister and the founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, voices worries about the growing societal divisions and negative trends of fear, loneliness, blame, marginalization, intimidation, and hostility.
Chalke is among a coalition of grassroots leaders, faith organizations, charities, and businesses united under We Are United, aiming to unite communities against the escalating isolation and polarization. ‘Together at Christmas’ is their inaugural national endeavor, a heartwarming, community-driven initiative promoting connection, inclusion, and hope through shared meals.
The aspiration is for this year’s gathering to multiply to over 1,000 in various locales next Christmas and beyond. These communal meals, fostering unity among neighbors, are open to all, where individuals from diverse backgrounds share food, fellowship, and stories, supported by local volunteers and community allies sharing the belief that no one should feel abandoned or excluded, especially during the holiday season.
While Christmas can bring joy, it can also evoke challenges like loneliness and stress for many. Chalke emphasizes that the community meal is not merely about food but a gesture of communal solidarity, affirming each individual’s worth and belonging.
In December, far-right figure Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, organized a carol concert event in Central London to emphasize the Christian aspect of Christmas. Meanwhile, the incoming archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, highlighted in her Christmas sermon the need to focus on our shared humanity amid divisive conversations on immigration.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, rebuffing claims by the far-right that he had ‘cancelled Christmas’ in the city, emphasized the importance of embracing love and unity, echoing Jesus’ message of ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ at his annual Christmas Carol Concert.
Across the country, ‘Together at Christmas’ events have been a resounding success, from Hull to Slough to London’s Waterloo. These gatherings serve as a powerful response to those seeking to sow discord during the holiday season.
In Slough, Lady Mayoress Julie Siddiqi sees these meals as a positive stance against hate and division, promoting unity and mutual support within communities. She highlights the common concerns that bring people together, emphasizing the need for human connection and understanding.
At the heart of these events is the mission of fostering inclusivity and togetherness, transcending differences and barriers. Christoff Taylor, a former gang member turned charity founder, underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing societal challenges, advocating for solidarity and support among individuals.
The ‘Together at Christmas’ initiative has seen success in various locations, including Hull and Slough, where diverse communities have come together to share in the spirit of the season through shared meals and camaraderie. Claire Thomas, a hub leader in Hull, expresses joy in witnessing people from various backgrounds coming together to celebrate and share in the festive cheer.
The spirit of unity and compassion extends to different regions, exemplified by the gatherings in Waterloo and Slough, where community members and volunteers join hands to create memorable experiences for all attendees. The inclusivity of these events, welcoming individuals from various cultural backgrounds, underscores the power of communal bonds and shared experiences.
At the Oasis Academy in Oldham, the festive season is marked by a celebration of unity and camaraderie, with a focus on combating division and fostering connections. Leaders like Steve Chalke emphasize the importance of shared meals as a means to bridge differences and promote dialogue among individuals of varying beliefs and backgrounds.
To express interest in organizing a ‘We Are United – Together At Christmas’ event for the upcoming holiday season, individuals can reach out via email to peopleunite@oasisuk.org.