New Year messages focus on hope and reconciliation

Britain's Christian roots can help to heal divisions post-Brexit, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said, writes Rose Gamble. In his New Year message broadcast on BBC TV on 1 January, Archbishop Justin Welby acknowledged the divisive impact of Britain’s vote to leave the EU in June, and urged the British people to look to the nation’s Christian roots as the path to reconciliation.

“The EU referendum was a tough campaign and it has left divisions,” he said.

“But I know that if we look at our roots, our culture and our history in the Christian tradition ... we will find a path towards reconciling the differences that have divided us.” The country will flourish, he said, if we welcome those in need, give generously and take hold of the future with “determination and courage”.

“Living well together despite our differences, offering hospitality to the stranger and those in exile, with unshakeable hope for the future – these are the gifts, the commands and the promises of Jesus Christ.”

In his pastoral letter for the Solemnity of Mary on 1 January Cardinal Vincent Nichols wrote that, as Mary gave her flesh and blood in order to bring the Word of God to life in her womb, believers are called to do the same in their actions. “We are called to give him our flesh and blood in the actions of every day which we hope will express his love and compassion, his forgiveness and joy, to all whom we meet,” the cardinal wrote.

Prime Minister Theresa May called for unity following the Brexit vote. Quoting the words of the murdered MP Jo Cox, Mrs May said: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”