Diocese of Chichester

The Bishop of Lewes, Richard Jackson is encouraging parishes to mark a national prayer initiative to help our communities be a focus for reconciliation and unity around Brexit.

Whether or not it yet becomes the day on which the UK leaves the European Union, 29 March will be a significant moment in the national consciousness.

The time has come for communities to come together to serve the common good, in our nation and in our relationship with the rest of Europe. The Church of England centrally has produced some resources that can help with this. There are prayer resources and suggestions for ways in which churches can provide a focus for reflection and reconciliation. Although the date of departure now looks like it will be later than March 29th, the fundamental issues have not gone away.

The Bishop of Lewes, Richard Jackson said: “We have been living through some momentous political times as the country edges closer to Brexit. Whatever your view of the issue, there can be no doubt that this has been one of the most divisive issues our country has faced in many years. “Passions run high on both sides of the debate. Relationships and community cohesion has been damaged in many places. It has never been more important for the church to be a focus of reconciliation and unity.

“Together with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, I am therefore inviting you to mark the day by joining in a national prayer initiative of five days and consider hosting a tea-and-prayer drop-in session in your parish.”

Everyone is invited. To assist parishes to host an event on or around Saturday 30 March the national Church has produced a set of prayer resources and some suggested conversation starters, as well as locally printable publicity materials and graphics that can be shared on social media. To get together as a community. To chat over a cup of tea. To pray for our country and our future. These are available at churchofengland.org/together

“I do commend these resources for your consideration and encourage you to do all you can to enable prayer and conversations within and across communities during this time.”

Yours in Christ, +Richard