Dean of Exeter apologises after criticising Christian Brexit voters

Exeter Cathedral Wiki

The Dean of Exeter has apologised for posts on social media where he said he apologised for the role of Christians in Brexit.

After the former Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi tweeted a poll of Remain voters by faith, showing Christians at just 42 per cent,  Jews at 46 per cent, Muslims at 70 per cent and  Hindus at 70 per cent, Dr Jonathan Draper tweeted that he felt "embarrassed".  

In response to another tweet by Baroness Warsi, he tweeted: "As a nearly old person I apologise for what we have done to our children and grandchildren."

Draper then tweeted: "Apologised to my children for what the old have done to the young. Truly awful, truly catastrophic #WhatHaveWeDone"

Although many of his tweets appeared today to have been deleted, Exeter Express and Echo reports that he subsequently apologised again after he posted a photograph and wrote: "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."

This was followed by: "I tweeted this and should not have done and apologise for any offence caused. It was a weak moment..."

However, he did continue to comment on Brexit and one of his latest retweets was critical of Boris Johnson:

Christian Today has reached out to the Dean for a comment and is awaiting a response.

Meanwhile, Bishop of Exeter Robert Atwell put out his own pastoral message in response to the vote.

He said: "We are at a real tipping point in the life of our nation. Not only in terms of our place in Europe, but in terms of what we want our country to be. Whether we are elated or depressed at the result of the referendum, we need now to unite and to move forward. But we do so against a background of a divided nation. The referendum has exposed the extent to which large numbers of ordinary people feel that their concerns have been ignored."

He urged people to resist being controlled by fear. "When we are threatened, we instinctively put up the barricades and run for cover. But this is the moment to reach out hands of friendship and seek reconciliation. We need to be listening, including to those who have felt marginalised during this whole debate."

He added: "As a Christian, I pray urgently for God to guide our elected leaders in this time of national uncertainty. We urgently need them to come together with a vision that will unite us as a nation."

related articles
Post Brexit, your country needs you!

Post Brexit, your country needs you!

A nation divided and in denial: Can we fix it?
A nation divided and in denial: Can we fix it?

A nation divided and in denial: Can we fix it?

Party tribalist Alastair Campbell threatens to quit Labour if Corbyn stays on as leader
Party tribalist Alastair Campbell threatens to quit Labour if Corbyn stays on as leader

Party tribalist Alastair Campbell threatens to quit Labour if Corbyn stays on as leader

US officials affirm special relationship with 'smaller and weaker' UK

US officials affirm special relationship with 'smaller and weaker' UK

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.