The people have spoken through the democratic process. We recognise that the result will cause pain to some peoplewho voted with passion and integrity and that now is the time tomove forward together with goodwill. The structures have changedbut our hopes for a fair, just and equal society continue. We mustnow gather the political will to tackle poverty, climate change andthe refugee crisis. 

 

This Referendum has shown both the best and the worst of ourdemocracy. It is to be celebrated that major constitutional changehas happened peacefully and transparently; something that is alltoo rare in the world even today. We are saddened that thereferendum debate has at times promoted feelings of fear and evenhatred and racism. We do not believe that most people, however theyvoted in the referendum, wanted this. It certainly does notrepresent the kind of country that Britain wants to be. We must becareful now that these narratives do not shape the way that we dopolitics in the future.

 

As the future of our role in the EU is negotiated, we cannotcut ourselves off from Europe.  We pray for our brothers andsisters in Europe, and particular in our sister Churches, andassure them that our love and commitment towards them isundiminished. 
 

To read the reaction from the Joint Public Issues Team clickhere.