Disgusted veterans left Remembrance Day service when vicar ‘ranted about Breixt, Donald Trump and climate change in her sermon’
Rev Rachel Webbley was branded 'totally out of order' for making political remarks during the event to remember the Fallen
OUTRAGED veterans allegedly left a Remembrance Day sermon when the vicar started preaching about Donald Trump, climate change and Brexit.
Outspoken Rev Rachel Webbley sparked outrage from many who had gathered for the service at the memorial in Whitstable, Kent.
In front of hundreds, she said: "The Brexit referendum highlighted a huge split within our country, which would have been unthinkable when we faced the common enemy of fascism in the last war.
"The American election this week has been the most divisive and controversial ever, and may bring the special relationship with our historical allies into question.
"And the fallout from both of these distract from the greatest threat to world peace and global security today - climate change."
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Rev Webbley also told those watching how social media has amplified "our human tendency to withdraw from those who are different", urging people to "reach across tribal boundaries".
Terry Marsh, 72, whose grandfather fought in India, claims people left the service in disgust.
He said: "This was a service to remember the Fallen.
"Whatever you think of Brexit, we were there to pay our respects - it wasn't the time or the place for it.
"When it went from Brexit to Donald Trump, I couldn't believe it. I thought, when is this going to end?"
"An old boy beside me in a wheelchair was shaking his head with tears in his eyes.
"People were actually leaving, they were that upset with what she said.
"We were at the front of the crowd because I'd laid a wreath.
"If I was nearer the back I would have left as well, no doubt about it. She was totally out of order."
Terry complained to the Canterbury Diocese and received a response from its secretary, Julian Hills, apologising for the "distress caused".
David Turner, who has not missed a memorial service since the 1940s, said: "There were lots of feet shuffling and eyebrows being raised - it was the most uncomfortable service I have been to."
The vicar defended her choice of words, saying: "Whatever side you are on, in whatever conflict, you must try to understand those who have the opposing view to you.
"That is the message I was trying to put across in reference to Brexit and Donald Trump.
"It certainly was not my intention to upset anyone."
The Ven Stephen Taylor, Archdeacon of Maidstone, later defended the vicar.
He said: "In her sermon she challenged people to think about the tribalism and division present in our world.
"She used the examples of the EU referendum and the US election to illustrate this.
"Though these decisions have indeed been controversial, her intention was not - I don't think anyone would deny that this has a been significant and challenging time for our respective societies."
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