Brexit: a significant spiritual moment
The WPC writes, ‘We are at a historical moment as a nation. We may be entering a long period of political and economic uncertainty. We also believe we are at a very significant moment spiritually. Jesus is Sovereign! Colossians 1 says, 'In Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities and authorities.’ Some in the WPC team backed Remain, others backed Exit, but all are united in saying we have prayed ‘Your will be done’, and we have a deep peace that it has been. We have prayed so often for God's spirit to break out. There have been extraordinary signs of this as God visits towns and cities, stirs up prayer, and uses ordinary people to take the gospel onto the streets, into the schools, workplaces and universities. So this is a time for renewed prayer for the protection and blessing of our United Kingdom and Europe.’
Christian bids to be next PM
The Work and Pensions Secretary, Stephen Crabb, who is a committed Christian, is one of five Conservative MPs who are bidding for the party leadership. He has teamed up with Business Secretary Sajid Javid in what Mr Crabb dubbed a ‘blue collar ticket’. Mr Crabb has lined up Attorney General Jeremy Wright to act as the manager for his campaign. Hugely popular among colleagues, Mr Crabb comes from an ordinary background that chimes with many voters. Mr Crabb has said God's care for widows and orphans in the Bible is his ‘guiding star for social policy.’ In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, he said, ‘There's something unattractive about politicians who wave a flag called faith, but at a personal level it's important for me.’ He received criticism for his links to the Christian lobby group CARE, and for voting against same-sex marriage in 2013. The new Tory leader will be in place by 9 September.
Brexit and the fight against corruption
A new government focussed on leaving the EU will have many things on its plate. Those are exactly the conditions in which corruption can take hold in public institutions and the private sector. Once it takes root, eradication is much more difficult . Transparency International have outlined possible Brexit consequences and pitfalls that we can ask God to intervene in, such as directives on anti-money-laundering and transparency over corporate reporting. Without the EU backstop the UK will rely on the quality of its government. Pray that the Government will allocate resources wisely. Exports will rise, raising the risk of bribery and undesirable partners and companies eager for investment in an emerging infrastructure with corrupt assets. Pray for leaders to put ethics over economic gain. During the financial crisis senior corporate managers and directors cut ethical corners. In economic uncertainty, this attitude could return. Pray for stability and honesty in the banking sector. The Government will have challenges ahead on the corruption front. Pray for political will to prevent slipping standards.
‘We are at a tipping point’
Following the referendum result the Bishop of Exeter said, ‘We are at a real tipping point in the life of our nation, in terms of our place in Europe and in terms of what we want our country to be.’ He added that whether we are elated or depressed we need to unite and move forward against a background of a divided nation. Large numbers of ordinary people feel that their concerns have been ignored. There is a divide between London and Northern England, and between England and Scotland. Our largest political parties are ripping themselves apart in acrimony and recrimination. The cost is being counted, and not just in finance.’ However, he also said that first and foremost we must resist being controlled by fears, continue to make this country a place of tolerance and welcome, and work across national boundaries to build a safer, more united future.
