Welsh clergyman who said Pegida UK leader ‘Tommy Robinson’ should be “applauded and supported” apologises

Categories: Latest News
Thursday June 02 2016
Wales Online reports on the case of a Church of Wales clergyman who has apologised after he was found to have posted messages on social media lauding Pegida leader Tommy Robinson and linking to Islamophobic hate groups Britain First and Islam Exposed.
Reverend David Lloyd of Newcastle Parish in the Diocese of Llandaff posted one message last month in which he wrote:
“Those idiots who dismiss Pegida or Britain First video posts, out of hand; should grow up, overcome their prejudices and WATCH the content before judging. You might discover that these groups are working hard for YOUR freedom and YOUR children’s future while you stand idly by.”
He also shared videos by anti-Muslim group Islam Exposed and suggested Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) should be “applauded and supported”.
Revd Lloyd also posted messages stating black comedian Lenny Henry was “never happy” adding that the “BBC is “too white” for him now. He wanted to get rid of the Minstrels Show. Knight ‘em and they go political”.”
Revd Lloyd has since deleted his social media accounts and a spokeswoman from the Church in Wales said “The Revd David Lloyd’s views expressed in his tweets were his personal ones and not those of the Church in Wales.
“He has apologised for any offence they caused and has closed down his social media accounts.”
Revd Lloyd himself posted a message saying “Due to abusive phone calls to my wife, me and now my superiors at The Church in Wales, I will no longer be posting as an individual. My parish page will still run.
“Thanks for all the fun you’ve shared with me and for helping me through the dark, painful and sleep deprived times.
“From an alleged ‘racist and Islamophobe’ and your friend David.”