It’s really a bit more complicated than the OP suggests, if you read the article.
The trainee curate who has caused the controversy actually tweeted
The cult of Captain Tom is a cult of White British Nationalism. I will offer prayers for the repose of his kind and generous soul, but I will not be joining the ‘National Clap’.
‘White British Nationalism’ is not patriotism, and although I didn’t clap myself, I think that to suggest that anyone who did, is aligned with the cult of the BNP and Britain First is quite offensive.
The curate has written a book, Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer will be published in July, which gives some context to his tweet and the reaction to it.
Despite 400 clergy and lay members of the church defending the curate’s right to freedom of speech, the London Diocese said that Robinson-Brown’s comment was “unacceptable, insensitive and ill judged. The fact that he immediately removed his tweet and subsequently apologised does not undo the hurt he has caused, not least to Captain Tom’s family. Nor do Jarel’s actions justify the racist abuse he is now receiving.”
It’s all in the article.
I think your thread title is quite misleading Alexa.
It’s not about patriotism or clapping or Captain Tom at all - is about perceptions of racism, homophobia, nationalism, and freedom of speech.