By ERASMUS
ONE OF THE historical functions of England’s established church is to speak for the whole nation, including those of other faiths and none, at times of collective rejoicing, remembrance, mourning or fear. To some extent, the Church of England continues to play this role, for example at royal weddings or in acts of remembrance for fallen soldiers. But what is the Archbishop of Canterbury, who heads both the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, supposed to do when the nation is bitterly divided, and the split runs down the middle of his own flock? Justin Welby’s dilemma over Brexit is all the more difficult because he was a declared Remain voter in the June 2016 referendum, while 66% of self-identified Anglicans opted for Brexit.
As the deadline for Brexit looms and recedes, the Anglican leader has used his influence in two main ways: to argue against a no-deal Brexit on grounds that it would exacerbate social dislocation and poverty, and to plead for a spirit of national reconciliation through courteous conversation. Local churches have been urged to host “informal cafe-style meetings” and invite people of all persuasions to “get together and chat over a cup of tea and pray for our country and our future.” Archbishop Welby and his Ugandan-born colleague, Archbishop John Sentamu of York, have jointly issued a package of prayers, Bible passages and “questions designed to prompt conversations” over Britain’s future, whatever it might be.
