Churches in need of stronger Euro links
CHURCHES have an important role to play in challenging “intolerance and insularity” as Brexit approaches, according to one of Wales’ foremost Christian leaders.
Reverend Jill-Hailey Harries, president of the Union of Welsh Independent Churches, said in her Christmas message: “As Brexit severs the UK’s political and economic relationship with the EU, it’s crucial that the relationship with churches in Europe is maintained and strengthened.
“We may belong to different denominations and different traditions in different countries, but we are united by our faith in Jesus Christ.
“This spiritual solidarity has a key role to play in alleviating fear and suspicion at this time of great uncertainty. The churches have a duty to challenge intolerance and insularity, while striving to heal deep social and political divisions.
“As people across the world celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that faith transcends boundaries. There are no customs posts or tariffs in God’s kingdom.”
Rev Harries, whose organisation represents Nonconformist Christians in 400 chapels across Wales, added: “Society is very divided at the moment, with populism on the rise.
“Many people are looking at how they personally can benefit, rather than how society as a whole can benefit.
“There is also a lot of aggression around. Only yesterday someone in a traffic jam accused me of ‘making eyes’ at them in an unfriendly way, when I hadn’t even noticed them.
“This is the sort of incident that could develop into something very nasty.
“I think a lot of the problems stem from people not communicating properly, and not talking things through.”
The church leader said she believed churches had a particular responsibility to reach out to people by opening their doors to visitors.
The organisation headed by Rev Harries also belongs to the Council of World Mission (CWM), playing an active part in the Council’s discussions and programmes at an European and global level.
She said: “At a time when the UK is leaving the EU, it’s more important than ever that we play a role in international groups like CWM. It’s only through dialogue that we have an opportunity to create an environment based on peaceful coexistence. The majority may have voted for Brexit, but that’s no reason for us to turn our back on Europe or the rest of the world.”