Christian protests at arms fair – ‘there is nothing fair about it‘

Christian groups organised protests and vigils outside the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair at London’s ExCel last week.

They joined other faiths and peace organisations calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and remembering victims of arms trading. They were among a broad coalition of activists that arrived at gates of the ExCel the night before the arms fair opened.Aaround 150 people were at an evening silent candlelit vigil, organised by Pax Christi England and Wales and British Quakers, with hundreds more as the week went on.

Sr Katrina Alton CSJP, chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales, said, “Million-pound deals will be made here this week, while the crucified poor bleed in Gaza, in Yemen, in Sudan, and we, citizens of a nation profiting from that blood, are called not to look the other way.” She added, “They call it a ‘fair’, but there is nothing fair about it.” 

In Called to be Peacemakers: A Catholic approach to arms control and disarmament, the Catholic Bishops in England and Wales recently reminded Catholics “to promote an end to the UK’s role in the global arms trade”. It was one of the Church documents mentioned in liturgies.

Pax Christi, Quakers and Anglican Pacifist Fellowship were among those supporting a “No Faith in War” day on 9 September outside the arms fair. Pax Christi England and Wales started early morning with a vigil. Prayer cards were handed out bearing words from Pope Francis: “Give us a voice for those who have no voice and are not heard; those who know that there is no tomorrow in war, and that the violence of weapons destroys both the beauty of creation and the joy of life.” Music and prayers were led by members of the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship. Quaker Roots held a meeting for worship during the day and the London Catholic Worker ended the day with a memorial for all victims of the arms trade.

A migrant justice day of protests was held on 11 September with talks, workshops and activities looking to a future where migrants and refugees are welcomed. In the lead-up to the arms fair, a group of ecumenical peace pilgrims had walked from Oxford to ExCel to demonstrate peace as a way of life.

One of the largest arms fairs in Europe, the biennial event is a frequent target of protest but came under unprecedented scrutiny this year amid growing condemnation of Israel’s continuing assault on Gaza.

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and other organisations are calling for churches across the world to join in prayer and public witness for peace on Sunday, 21 September 2025, the UN’s World Peace Day. The invitation includes a minute’s silence during services and a prayer for the Holy Land.   

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: