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Geoff Pugh/REX
UK News

Archbishops: "Act with humility and courage" in wake of Brexit

David Cameron has announced he will quit as Prime Minister by October after a humiliating defeat in the referendum which he had campaigned to remain.

In a statement Most Revd Justin Welby and Dr John Sentamu said: "As citizens of the United Kingdom, whatever our views during the referendum campaign, we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world.

"We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers. Many of those living among us and alongside us as neighbours, friends and work colleagues come from overseas and some will feel a deep sense of insecurity.

"We must respond by offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one."

Both archbishops had made a passionate plea to voters to stay in the EU. That was rejected by more than half the population.

The pair appeal for "unity, hope and generosity" which they say will "enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen".

The statement ends: "As those who hope and trust in the living God, let us pray for all our leaders, especially for Prime Minister David Cameron in his remaining months in office.

"Let us pray especially that we may go forward to build a good United Kingdom that, though relating to the rest of Europe in a new way will play its part amongst the nations in the pursuit of the common good throughout the world."

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, said the UK "must work hard to show ourselves to be good neighbours", following the vote to leave the EU.

He said: "A great tradition of the United Kingdom is to respect the will of the people, expressed at the ballot box. Today we set out on a new course that will be demanding on all.

"Our prayer is that all will work in this task with respect and civility, despite deep differences of opinion.

"We pray that in this process the most vulnerable will be supported and protected, especially those who are easy targets for unscrupulous employees and human traffickers.

"We pray that our nations will build on our finest traditions of generosity, of welcome for the stranger and shelter for the needy."

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