Thread by @ajcdeane

Think of another religion being the target.

Then imagine the media response.

As compared to this being the first time you’ve seen or heard of it.

https://twitter.com/CrimeLdn/status/1317842564515549186

That isn’t to say that people in positions of influence in the media or the justice system or politics actually approve of this. They absolutely don’t, of course. They just care less.

I’ve been asked why I said this. Let me give some examples, lest it seems an unwarranted statement.

If it were another faith, it would be breaking news everywhere. As it’s a church, it won’t be.

If it were another faith, commentators would be booked to say how bad this is and how the institution concerned was a beacon in the community that didn’t deserve this. Solidarity would be expressed by all and sundry. As it’s a church, they won’t be.

If it were another faith, breathless updates would be provided blow by blow. The culprit’s background and associates would be probed. Questions of what it means for relations between people of different beliefs would be asked. As it’s a church, they won’t be.

If it were another faith, condemnation would be swift and unequivocal from all influential quarters. Reassurances to “communities” would be offered. There would be much “reaching out.” As it’s a church, it won’t be.

If it were another faith, demands for harsh punishment would be made. Sentences available would be debated. One considers the point that a man received a year in prison for defiling an institution by putting bacon on a door handle. As it’s a church...

A caveat because of some replies I’m getting.

I absolutely do NOT criticise the person who took the video, or anyone else, for not intervening physically.

One has no idea of what those in such a scenario will do, or has on them.

I’m grateful to to recorder for the footage