The Church of England has called for communities to join together in conversation and prayer as discussions over the UK\u2019s departure from the European Union reach a pivotal point. The debate is splitting communities in the UK. The UK Government and the EU have reached a withdrawal agreement; but this has twice been rejected by the country\u2019s Parliament. Today, the Speaker of the House of Commons ruled that the government could only bring it back for a third vote if the motion was \u201csubstantially different\u201d. Britain risks leaving the European Union without a deal on 29 March unless the other 27 EU member countries agree to a British government request for an extension.<\/p>\n
Churches are being encouraged to host \u201cinformal caf\u00e9-style meetings\u201d over the weekend of 30 March \u201cto bring together people of all standpoints and encourage open discussion.\u201d The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu, have today backed newly-commissioned resources to invite people to \u201cget together and chat over a cup of tea and pray for our country and our future\u201d.<\/p>\n
Under the slogan \u201cTogether\u201d, the packs include specially-chosen Bible passages, prayers and questions designed to prompt conversations. The introductory notes urge participants to have \u201crespect for the integrity of differently held positions, encouraging communities which feel the same about the issues to use their imagination to consider the viewpoints of those who feel differently.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs followers of Jesus Christ we are called to demonstrate that love for God and for each other, along with compassion, solidarity and care for the poorest, are our defining values\u201d, Archbishop Justin said. \u201cThese values have been the bedrock of our national life for many centuries. They are not simply our history: they are also our best hope for the future.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Communities urged to join together in conversation and prayer as discussions over the UK\u2019s departure from the EU reach a pivotal point.#AnglicanNews<\/a> #Anglican<\/a> #Anglicans<\/a>https:\/\/t.co\/1eoSfnCTBJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Anglican Communion News Service (@AnglicanNews) March 18, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n