So here are my thoughts:
·
I am
not anti-Europe. I love Europe, I love
Europeans, I love travelling in Europe and welcoming visitors to our land, I
love trading with Europe and being allies and partners. I do not believe that the EU and Europe are
the same thing.
·
I am
not racist, bigoted or small minded. I
have a wide perspective of the world and am well travelled. I love people of all nationalities and indeed
am blessed to have friends in many nations, across all continents. I love the multi-cultural nature of Britain
and the diversity and variety that people bring with them from other cultures,
faiths and backgrounds.
·
I do
not want to close our borders to people in need of work or of our help. I fully support those who are helping
refugees fleeing persecution, war or civil unrest. I support and give to charities who are
helping refugees and want to be open and welcoming to those who come here for
work or refuge.
·
I am
not uneducated, of a poor socio-economic background, old, voting with my
emotions or out of hatred, I am not brainless or blindly unaware of the issues. These are statements that I have read about
‘leave’ voters which I find insulting and discriminatory.
·
I am
strongly pro-democracy and that is where the crux of the matter lies for me. I
do not wish to continue to use tax payers’ money to pay for salaries, buildings
and travel expense of rich, unelected bureaucrats; rather I want it used to
support vital services in our land and to help those in need here and overseas
such as the homeless, unemployed, the sick, disabled, refugees and those in
need of aid in the developing world.
·
I don’t
want unelected leaders to be able to overrule our law making procedures and
judiciary or to decide what is best for our people and the way we spend our
public money.
·
I am a
Christian and have devoted my life to serving Jesus and seeking to love people
from all backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
I therefore reject the accusations that anyone who voted to leave the EU
is ‘anti-Christian’ or not upholding Christian values.
Finally, I understand all parties, Governments and systems have their
flaws and realise there isn’t a perfect way of running a country, and we all
have different views on the best way of doing things. While we may not agree
with each other and come from different places I pray we can show respect for
people who hold opposing views and treat them with courtesy. Of course this will be a time of uncertainty
and change but whatever our opinions I pray that now we can move forwards in unity,
with a positive outlook. I have faith in
a God who doesn’t change and whatever happens in our land or continent I know
that he holds my future and is the rock on which I stand.
I close with the prayer put on the Methodist Church website which I think
is brilliant for this time:
God of every nation and people,
At this historic moment we pray for all who are
affected by the decision that we have made.
Whatever differences this has revealed within our own
society, may they not eclipse what we have in common.
Where the narratives of political debate have caused
harm and division help us to reclaim the true values of our shared humanity.
Where exaggeration and distortion have generated
suspicion and fear may truth and honesty restore hope and goodness.
We pray for all the nations of Europe that you will
help us to find ways of living and working together to pursue the mercy and
justice that you require.
We recommit ourselves – together – to the values of
your eternal Kingdom and pray that along with all people we might help your
world become more as you intended.
AMEN
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