Archbishop of Canterbury calls for ‘fair’ future for UK-EU relationship
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has called for politicians across Europe to find “fair and sustainable solutions” for the future UK-EU relationship.
Churches must “strive for reconciliation” as “some politicians and political forces seek to drive a wedge between people”, the Archbishop said in a joint message with German Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm.
“European relationships are changing, not least as a result of Brexit,” the two clerics said.
“We do not know what will happen and what the relationship between the UK and EU will look like after March 29, 2019.”
Our world needs a better future than one based in hatred and division. It's the task of the church to bear witness to the love of God, across borders, as sisters and brothers in Christ.
Joint statement with Bishop Heinrich @landesbischof of @EKD: https://t.co/aQZryzu33Opic.twitter.com/iVSddj2uLy
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 16, 2018
The German bishop, council chair of the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD), is on a two-day visit to London hosted by the Archbishop.
In their statement, they said: “As churches, we urgently appeal to all politicians to find fair and sustainable solutions for the future coexistence of the UK and the EU.”
The statement added: “As some politicians and political forces seek to drive a wedge between people so it is all the more important that the churches continue to strive for reconciliation and to speak out prophetically for a Europe where the values of human rights and human dignity are central, based in the great Christian traditions of our two countries when at their best.”
It’s been 80 years since Britain saved 10,000 Jewish children on #Kindertransport. Today we gave thanks for them – who have given us so much – and those who rescued them.
It’s our obligation to rescue children needing asylum in every generation. It’s always #OurTurn. pic.twitter.com/n9y2BrPOes
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 15, 2018
Their statement noted the recent commemorations of the Armistice centenary, the 80th anniversaries of Kristallnacht and the Kindertransport, adding the historic events showed the “peril of division”.