On the day of the results of the EU referendum, the six bishops of the diocese wrote to all clergy, encouraging prayers for reconcilation and for churches to be open for anyone to come and reflect and pray.
The bishops’ letter reads as follows:
As we come to terms with the enormity of the Referendum result and the deep divisions within our communities which it has revealed, many people will be calling for a period of reflection. As well as listening to what the country has said, we need also to listen for what God is saying to us at this time.
Over these coming weeks, months and years, our nation and its neighbourhoods will need wise and courageous leadership. This is not just about negotiating trade deals, but about enabling healing and reconciliation in and between regions, age groups, and ethnic communities. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have this morning issued a helpful statement here. And Bishop Nick’s blog on today’s outcome is here.
It became clear after the murder of Jo Cox MP that many people look to the Church (and their local churches) at times like this for safe spaces as well as language and symbols to help them express what they are feeling.
We would like you to consider, if you’re not already planning to do so, making our churches available to anyone who wants to pray or just sit in silence or light a candle. You may want to make people aware, through local and social media, of your regular times of prayer, with an invitation to people to come and join you in praying for our nation and more widely.
The Church of England has today issued a prayer and litany for reconciliation here.
As well as inviting people in to our churches, however, let us also encourage our congregations to be people who take with us an attitude of prayer, listening and reconciliation into our homes, schools, places of work and neighbourhoods. Blessed are the peacemakers.
This comes with our prayers.
+Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds
+Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
+Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield
+Paul Slater, Bishop of Richmond
+James Bell, Bishop of Ripon
+Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield