Archbishop of Canterbury's prayer for new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Published on 25 October 2022

Rishi Sunak, who won the campaign on Monday within the Conservative Party, was received on Tuesday in audience by King Charles III who officially appointed him Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Spiritual Leader of the Church of England, Justin Welby, calls on the country to join him in praying for the new leader who takes office "at a time of great difficulty and uncertainty".

The 42-year-old ex-banker and finance minister, Rishi Sunak, was received by King Charles III on Tuesday to succeed Liz Truss and become British Prime Minister, the third in two months in a country plagued by unprecedented instability. and a deep social crisis.

Arrived around 10 a.m. at Buckingham Palace, the new head of government held his first audience with the sovereign, according to images of the meeting released by the services of Charles III.

The King received The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP at Buckingham Palace today.

His Majesty asked him to form a new Administration. Mr. Sunak accepted His Majesty's offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. pic.twitter.com/UnT3jMS8so

- The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 25, 2022

In a Twitter post, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, called on Britons to join him in praying for the Prime Minister "as he assumes his leadership responsibilities" at this time of "great difficulty and of uncertainty" for the country.

At a time of great difficulty and uncertainty for this country, please join me in praying for @RishiSunak as he takes on the responsibilities of leadership.
May he, and all leaders of all parties, work across divides to bring unity and offer stability for those who need it most.

- Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) October 24, 2022

“May he and all leaders of all parties work across divides to bring unity and offer stability to those who need it most,” added the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church.

After winning the campaign in the Conservative Party on Monday, Rishi Sunak promised to bring "stability and unity" in the face of "deep economic difficulties" in the United Kingdom.

"We need stability and unity, and bringing the party and the country together will be my top priority," he said. "It is the greatest privilege of my life to serve the party that I love and in turn give back to the country to which I owe so much," he said.

This Tuesday, for his first intervention from the steps of 10 Downing Street, the 42-year-old British Prime Minister warned of “difficult decisions” to come to repair the “mistakes” made under Liz Truss, forced to resign after a financial storm caused by his economic program.

“I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government's program. This means that difficult decisions will have to be made. »

Camille Westphal Perrier (with AFP)