Brexit - Conversation and prayer

First published on: 18th March 2019

 

Parishes across the Diocese took the opportunity to encourage their communities to come together in conversation and prayer as Brexit discussions continue.

Bishop James endorsed the initaitive from the Church of England, which made available resources, to support churches to host informal café-style meetings to bring together people of all standpoints and encourage open discussion.

Although initially aimed at the weekend of 30 March, the resources can be used at any time.

Read more on the Church of England website here

A number of parishes took part such as, such as St Philip and St James church, Chatham who held an evening of tea, prayer for the nation and worship.

The Rev Martyn Saunders said: "It was lovely to see people coming together especially to bring the state of our nation to God and to ask for unity at this time."

At Tonbridge Parish Church the church was opened for prayer on the Saturday morning

And at St Peter & St Paul's Church, Aylesford, tea, cake and conversation with prayer was offered for the good of all in society.

The Rev Ruth Peet said: "As soon as we read the Bishop's letter we thought that's exactly what we, the Church, should be doing - creating a space for all in the church and wider parish, to bring their politics-weary (or anything else-weary) hearts and minds to, and be met with company, gentle conversation and prayer.

They converted their usual Saturday morning Brassey Bazaar into 'Tea and Conversation'.

"People said how much it had meant."

An opportunity to join together in prayer

Bishop James said:

"Wherever we ourselves may stand on the substantive issues, here is an opportunity for us, as Christians and as a Church engaged in our communities, to join together in prayer for God’s Kingdom to come, and for the good of all in society."

"I invite people to join in prayer in these days and encourage others to do so also."

Prayers

Packs included specially-chosen Bible passages, prayers and prompt questions to start conversations.

Introductory notes for those taking part urged respect for the integrity of differently held positions.

The packs can be used at any time and include flyers, graphics for social media, and invitations which can be personalised for local use.

The resources can be downloaded from www.churchofengland.org/together 

 

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