Church of England condemns ‘unacceptable’ language used by MPs

Every archbishop and bishop in the Church of England has condemned the language used by MPs as ‘unacceptable’.

In a joint statement, the 118 members of the College of Bishops said: ‘In the last few days the use of language, both in debates and outside parliament, has been unacceptable.

‘We should speak to others with respect… We should not denigrate, patronise or ignore the honest views of fellow citizens but seek to respect their opinions, their participation in society, and their votes’.

The bishops acknowledged they were ‘conscious of the great challenges MPs face’ but urged for ‘respect on all sides amid growing acrimony.’

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, told The Times: ‘The foundations of our unity and way of life are being challenged.

‘There needs to be a cooling of tempers on all sides in order to enable people to try to come to an agreement to see what solution can unite the country and do what has to be done.’

This is not the first time the church has intervened on Brexit. 

In August this year, a group of 25 bishops wrote an open letter warning of the dangers of leaving the European Union without a deal.

In it signatories, including the Bishop of London and the Bishop of Manchester, said: ‘Our main social and political priority must be to leave well, paying particular attention to the impact of political decisions on those most vulnerable.’