CofE issues Christian prayer for EU referendum

 Reuters

The Church of England has released a prayer for the EU referendum campaign that urges working for peace with "all the peoples of Europe".

The prayer is intended to be used by churches and individuals ahead of the vote on June 23.

The prayer says:

God of truth, give us grace to debate the issues in this referendum with honesty and openness. Give generosity to those who seek to form opinion and discernment to those who vote, that our nation may prosper and that with all the peoples of Europe we may work for peace and the common good; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dr Adrian Hilton of the Brexit group Christians for Britain said: "Debating the issues 'with honesty and openness' is a laudable objective, and this prayer treads an impeccable via media which both sides would be happy to pray.

article,article,article,article,article Related

"But it's worth noting that the Church of England has placed the matter of the UK's membership of the EU, 28 states, in the context of 'all the peoples of Europe', circa 50 states.

"This shifts the narrative of debate from the narrow one of EU membership to that of European identity. You clearly don't have to be in the EU to work for peace and the common good of all Europe."

Michael Sadgrove of the remain group Christians for Europe agreed with Christians for Britain. He said: "It is a prayer we can all pray with integrity as we seek the wisdom of God." 

related articles
The EU referendum explained: what\'s happening and how did we get here?
The EU referendum explained: what's happening and how did we get here?

The EU referendum explained: what's happening and how did we get here?

How could the Bible help Christians think about the EU Referendum?
How could the Bible help Christians think about the EU Referendum?

How could the Bible help Christians think about the EU Referendum?

We are \'better together\' say Christians for EU
We are 'better together' say Christians for EU

We are 'better together' say Christians for EU

Ann Widdecombe appointed head of Christian pro-Brexit group
Ann Widdecombe appointed head of Christian pro-Brexit group

Ann Widdecombe appointed head of Christian pro-Brexit group

Leading Conservative Christians regret resignation of Iain Duncan Smith
Leading Conservative Christians regret resignation of Iain Duncan Smith

Leading Conservative Christians regret resignation of Iain Duncan Smith

News
Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave
Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave

A ballot has been held on the first day of the papal conclave but not yielded a new pope. 

‘Don’t forget the seafarers,’ says Christian mission agency
‘Don’t forget the seafarers,’ says Christian mission agency

A Christian mission agency has called for the welfare of nearly two million seafarers to be taken into consideration, as the global shipping fleet cuts costs by adopting new technologies.

Vicar goes medieval and celebrates church milestone as hermit
Vicar goes medieval and celebrates church milestone as hermit

A Yorkshire vicar is taking a step back in time - over 800 years, in fact - by living as a hermit as part of a unique celebration marking a major milestone in his parish's history.

Scots urged to reject ‘extreme’ assisted suicide legislation
Scots urged to reject ‘extreme’ assisted suicide legislation

Scottish voters are being urged to contact their MSPs ahead of a Stage One vote in Holyrood next week.