DAVID ADAMS reports on the reactions of Christian leaders to Thursday’s Brexit vote…
The Anglican Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called for the British people to “unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country” after country voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum held on Thursday.
In a joint statement issued on Friday morning after news of the 52 to 48 per cent vote in favour of leaving the EU, Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop John Sentamu said the vote means “we must all reimagine both what it means to be the United Kingdom in an interdependent world and what values and virtues should shape and guide our relationships with others.”
The Union Jack hangs over a London street. Britain has voted to leave the European Union after 43 years.
“Unity, hope and generosity will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen, and to emerge confident and successful.”
– Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop John Sentamu
“As citizens of the United Kingdom, whatever our views during the referendum campaign, we must now united in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world,” they said.
“We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers. Many of those living among us and alongside us as neighbours, friends and work colleagues come from overseas and some will feel a deep sense of insecurity. We must respond by offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one.”
The archbishops said the referendum campaign had been “vigorous and at times caused hurt to those on one side or the other”.
“We just therefore act with humility and courage – being true to the principles that make the very best of our nation. Unity, hope and generosity will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen, and to emerge confident and successful. The opportunities and challenges that face us as a nation and as global citizens are too significant for us to settle for less.”
The archbishops called for prayer for Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced he will step down by October, and for the leaders of Europe and other leaders around the world “as they face this dramatic change”.
“Let us pray especially that we may go forward to build a good United Kingdom that, though relating to the rest of Europe in a new way will play its part amongst the nations in pursuit of the common good throughout the world.”
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Friday morning, Mr Cameron said that he will step down by the Conservative Party conference in October to allow for “fresh leadership”.
“I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination,” he said.
More than 33 million people took part in Thursday’s vote – with the 72 per cent turnout reportedly the highest level to vote in a UK election since 1992.
The result, which is expected to take two years to implement, has seen the British pound fall to its lowest level against the US dollar in 31 years.
Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has described the decision as “momentous and historic”. He said while he recognised Australians would be concerned by the “uncertainly and instability” in global markets, it was “important to remember that the Australian economy is strong and resilient and has weathered global shocks before and weathered them well.”
