Church of England Advocates for Unity Amidst Growing Divides
In a bid to address the increasing divides within society, the Church of England has released a thought-provoking paper urging Christians to model a balanced form of patriotism while steering clear of nationalism and political extremism. Titled “Promoting Unity in Our Nation,” the paper is set to be reviewed at the Church of England’s General Synod in York from July 10 to 14.
The Bishops’ Working Group, led by the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, explores the roots of societal fragmentation and outlines the Church’s potential role in nurturing cohesive communities amidst these “acute” divisions.
The report prioritizes five key areas for the Church: cultivating humility, fostering an inclusive patriotism, recognizing individual dignity, bridging social and cultural divides, and promoting active citizenship. Churches are encouraged to facilitate interactions among diverse groups, promote civic duties, and equip individuals to engage constructively in public life.
Practical recommendations include hosting community events, building relationships with different faiths, and fostering civic engagement. The report emphasizes that parish churches can significantly contribute by organizing national pride events—provided they are inclusive and honest about historical contexts.
Acknowledging its own historical missteps, such as ties to the transatlantic slave trade and recent safeguarding issues, the Church emphasizes humility in its public engagement. The report highlights factors like wealth inequality, the decline of civic organizations, polarized media consumption, and minority group demonization as major contributors to social division.
Despite these challenges, the report remains optimistic. It references research indicating that a vast majority embrace an open English identity, support non-prejudiced national pride, and view the St George’s flag as a unifying symbol across ethnicities and faiths. The report suggests that churches can explain the flag’s potential for unity, drawing on St George’s legacy.
The document identifies a “substantial and largely silent majority” advocating for a more inclusive English identity, with the Church positioned to amplify this narrative. This involves telling a “healthier” national story that acknowledges both achievements and injustices, cherishing England’s uniqueness without exclusivity, and focusing on the common good beyond borders.
Furthermore, the report advises against equating the nation with the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a critical distance. “The kingdom of God is our ultimate horizon,” it notes, cautioning against conflating nation, church, and divine purpose.
Amidst growing public discontent with British institutions, the report highlights polling by More in Common, where terms like “broken,” “divided,” and “struggling” frequently describe Britain, with 87% expressing low trust in politicians.
Accompanying the report is a theological address by Oxford theology professor Luke Bretherton. Delivered in January 2025, it offers a framework underpinning the report’s themes. Professor Bretherton advocates a balanced view of Britain, rejecting narratives of complete shame or unique glory, and proposes recognizing Britain as “a fallen political community in which God has nonetheless been at work.”
He warns against defining national identity by ethnicity, race, or culture, proposing instead that Britain be seen as “a demos: a people assembled in this land from many places.” Concluding his address, Bretherton encourages language focused on shared responsibility over national identity, emphasizing the Church’s role in promoting a civic project for all.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
