The Bishops of England and Wales have said that British voters’ decision to leave the European Union must be respected and that, after an “often rancorous campaign”, all should work towards regaining a “mutual respect and civility” that is “so important in our national conversation”. The bishops’ statement, signed by Fr Christopher Thomas, general secretary of the bishops’ conference, noted that more than 33 million people had voted and a majority “have agreed that the future of the United Kingdom is best served outside the EU”. The statement said: “This decision must be respected whatever our personal views and we should seek to regain the mutual respect and civility so important in our national conversation. “As people of hope, now is the time to reflect and pray as we take up our challenge to promote justice and peace, with a responsibility for the dignity of every human person, especially the most vulnerable.” Bishop Declan Lang of Clif-ton, chairman of the bishops’ department for international affairs, released a statement on Monday urging Catholics to “pray for our political leaders and for the well-being of our country”. He said: “We are living in a period of political uncertainty ... it is important that we have a sense of duty to work for the common good and not create barriers of division and prejudice. We should have a profound respect for one another and this should be reflected in the way we speak and behave ... All of us have a responsibility to shape the future in a way that recognises that we belong together.”