CAPTION: Churches have been inviting people to talk and pray about Brexit over tea and cake
Devon churches building bridges over Brexit
A number of Devon churches are engaging with the ongoing uncertainty over the Brexit process by organising prayer vigils and time for reflection and discussion.
Nationally the Church of England is encouraging churches to hold Tea and Brexit events, where people are invited to get together to chat over a cup of tea and to pray for the UK.
St Davids Church in Exeter held a 12 hour prayer vigil from 8am to 8pm on 22 March which included times of silence, listening to music and poetry and celebrating Communion.
Afterwards the curate, Revd Christopher Durrant, tweeted: “Now a few private prayers of gratitude for the variety and quality of intercessions offered throughout the day.
“God has surely comforted the almost 80 people who attended.”
St Marys Church in Appledore held a Tea and Brexit coffee morning on 28 March as part of a new monthly topical discussion group called Refresh.
Lay Reader Anne Foster said: “The Rector talked through some of the background to Brexit and then we talked about some of the problems caused between friendships and families.
“Then we talked in groups about healing rifts and building for the future.
“We’re trying to be positive about it and to begin building bridges again.”
All the churches in the Littleham, Holy Trinity Exmouth and Lympstone Mission Community were planning to open on Saturday 30 March for a special day of prayer.
Chris Keppie, Church and Society Officer for the Diocese of Exeter, said: “One of the core Christian teachings is to ‘Love your neighbour’.
“Importantly the neighbour in the famous parable of the good Samaritan is shown to include someone very different to us.
“At this time of increased division and even hostility within our communities, what an opportunity to show true love – over a good old English cuppa.”
