I’m a Christian and I was arrested this week. Here’s why
This week over 50 people - including many Christians - were arrested for blocking the roads around London's ExCel centre, where the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition (DESi) was taking place. One Christian protester, writing anonymously, explains why they were willing to be arrested for the cause
Every two years, DSEi, one of the world’s biggest weapons exhibitions, comes to the ExCel centre in London. Arms companies come from all over the world and it’s also the opportunity for British arms companies to be showcased and for the government to wine and dine potential clients.
Unfortunately, these clients include Saudi Arabia (who have committed war crimes in Yemen with British weapons), Hong Kong (currently tear gassing democracy demonstrators with British made teargas), and Bahrain (whose embassy in the UK was broken into by the police to protect a human rights activist from possible torture and death). The list goes on and at every single DESi event, illegal weapons are found on display. It’s a murky business which our government consistently and whole-heartedly supports.
As a Christian, I believe that promoting or facilitating the sale of weapons is not something that can be justified.
What was the greatest commandment? Jesus was clear. He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13). And in the Old Testament we are told what is required of us: "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).
