Patriotism is not a nationalist cult
I did not clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore. Why? Well, because I am a relatively conservative middle-aged male, a crusty Old High Churchman, and an Ulster Protestant who is distinctly uncomfortable with such public displays of emotion, regarding them as tacky and lacking in respect. A dignified moment of silence and a thanksgiving for Captain Tom at Evensong seemed much more appropriate. Which leaves me with the question if I am part of the "cult of White British Nationalism" that has been alleged by some within the Church of England as the essence of "the cult of Captain Tom". To be clear, my concern here is the theology of the term used. The cleric who originally tweeted it rightly withdrew the Tweet and apologised. That should have been the end of the matter. It was not. He was subject to vile racist and homophobic online attacks. (I have previously sought to articulate my thoughts on this example of 'cancel culture' from the Right.) A c...