A campaign group is to protest on the day the Pope visits Twickenham next month.

Richmond Coalition against the State Visit has organised a protest for September 17 – when the head of the Roman Catholic Church will be at St Mary’s University College.

The group has been backed by the national Protest the Pope campaign – organised by the National Secular Society (NSS).

Representatives from both groups will be at a public meeting organised by Richmond’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) forum on Thursday.

Andrew Copson, of Protest the Pope, said: “We were approached by several people and organisations in Richmond who were concerned the Pope plans to come to their area as part of a state visit in September.

“Although we agree that the Pope may visit the UK in his capacity as a religious leader, we are concerned this visit is being given state recognition – something that accords honour and public funding.

“The public meeting in Richmond will allow a full discussion of the issues with people and will allow those who wish to protest against the Pope’s visit to Twickenham to have a voice.”

Some members of the LGBT forum have also promised to protest against it.

Gareth Evans, a member of the forum, said: “I will be taking action directly, but if we claim to be a forum we should be speaking to individuals [before we take action as a forum].”

Pope Benedict XVI confirmed earlier this year he would be visiting the UK – the first papal visit to the country since 1982 – and he will be at St Mary’s to meet children from all over the country.

About 300 staff and pupils from schools in the area are to be part of a welcoming committee.

Arthur Naylor, principal at St Mary’s, and Councillor Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council cabinet member for community development, have described the visit as an “honour” and a “privilege”.

It was revealed earlier this summer the visit could cost taxpayers £12m, and the Catholic church £7m.

The NSS has organised a march on September 18, as part of its campaign, starting at 1pm at Hyde Park corner.

It has also arranged a film festival between September 13 and 16, to present “a short season of films that explore issues the Catholic Church and the Government would prefer were kept under wraps during the papal visit”.

The public meeting will take place at Richmond Old Town Hall library, in Whittaker Avenue, from 7.30pm.