Brexit Weekend – Pray for someone you disagree with

Derby Cathedral is marking five days of prayer for peace, reconciliation and a good way forward with those you disagree, over what would have been the Brexit weekend.

Leicester Cathedral is holding a Brexit Vigil on Friday evening to bring leavers, remainers and undeciders together to pledge to listen to each other and work together.

There are prayer cards in Wakefield Cathedral to help people pray for each other – regardless of their views – a special Evensong in Southwark Cathedral this Friday evening, and the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell will be leading prayers in Chelmsford Cathedral this Saturday morning.

From 29 March until 2 April, Derby Cathedral is inviting people to come in during the day and say a prayer for the nation, their neighbours, for MPs and political leaders, and for peace, hope and good will.

The Dean of Derby, the Very Revd Stephen Hance said: “After what has been a divisive political process during the last three years, we want people to be encouraged to pray for someone they disagree with, as a step towards reconciliation and a fresh vision for the whole country.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to redirect their thoughts and prayers to reconciliation and peace,” he added.

The Rt Revd Jan McFarlane, Bishop of Repton and Acting Bishop of Derby, said:

‘Friday 29 March 2019 will be a significant day for our nation, whether or not we leave the European Union on that day. Our church communities, like the rest of the nation, are divided over whether or nor Brexit is the right way forward. But as Christians, our role is to promote peace and reconciliation in the places where we live and worship, and to demonstrate that we can live peacefully together even when we disagree.’

In London, on Friday evening, the Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn will preach at a special Evensong at 5.30pm with a blessing from the Bishop, Bishop Christopher Chessun.

Brexit Vigil: Hear My Voice in Leicester Cathedral this Friday from 17.30-19.30 is a vigil for the future with civic, inter-faith and community leaders, and with guests from the Conference of European Churches.

The Dean, the Very Revd David Monteith said:

“This vigil brings us together as ‘leavers’ and ‘remainers’ and ‘undeciders’ to pledge ourselves to listening and working together for the good of all as a new national identity emerges. “

It will be followed by a drinks reception. You can sign up here:

On Saturday in Chelmsford Cathedral, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell will lead prayers from 9am followed by refreshments.