Over the years; there has been a history of far right groups seeking to intimidate our neighbours by marching through parts of Tower Hamlets. 90 years ago, it was our Jewish neighbours on Cable Street that were targeted. 

More recently, it has been our Muslim neighbours on the Whitechapel Road. Each time, local Christians have stood against such marches - not despite our faith, but because of it. The attempt by the far right to brand this event a “walk with Jesus” is a disturbing attempt to hijack the Gospel to allow such a march to pass. 

Christians in Tower Hamlets hold a public walk with Jesus every Palm Sunday. Thousands of us take part, in neighbourhoods across the borough. Each year, our Muslim neighbours have greeted us with warmth, friendship and respect when we have been walking. Those bonds of trust flow from the fact that we work together to build a common life, even as we hold to our distinct religious beliefs and practices. A good example of this work together is happening on Cable Street right now - where churches and mosques are at the heart of a struggle to hold politicians to promises for the affordable housing that is urgently needed by people of all faiths and none.

 On Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus - our true Lord and King - came not on a horse with might, but on a donkey in humility and joy. We remember that he poured out his life for the world, and loved even those who crucified him. That is what it means to walk with Jesus. 

As we prepare for Palm Sunday 2026 on the 29th March, there is an invitation to everyone in Tower Hamlets who is interested in walking with Jesus to come to our churches to learn more about who he really is - and why walking with him involves loving our neighbours and working with them to challenge injustice. 

Fr Angus Richie