The Most Rev Justin Welby has today launched a new website, entitled "re-imagining Europe", which will act as a forum for differing views on the future of the European Union to ensure that people can "disagree well".

He said that the website, which has been launched with the Church of Scotland, will aim to provide "new ways of disagreeing well that leaves us energised and revitalised, not dispirited and divided".

In a blog posting, he said: "In less than two years we will have a referendum on our place in Europe. There will be passionate arguments on both sides.

"People will say that we should not take the risk of leaving, others that it is less of a risk than staying. There will be talk of national sovereignty, of national confidence, of repatriation of laws, or being bound by European laws over which we have no control.

"The only certainty is that there will be much heat, probably slightly less light, but that it is a hugely important decision, with thoughtful and committed people, including Christians, on both sides."

He said: "The contributors -- who will be drawn from as wide a spectrum as possible -- will, as a group, invite us to imagine what types of relationship with Europe we need to encourage human flourishing. Their views will vary widely.

"How can we revitalise ideas such as sovereignty and subsidiarity -- ideals formed out of Christian faith whose political dimensions capture their meaning only in part -- and help encourage a clearly values-based approach to Britain's future relationship with the EU; one that includes, but does not end with, economic and political perspectives? We are going to try and make this blog a helpful contribution to that debate."

The Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "Unlike the Scottish independence referendum, where the Church of Scotland chose to remain impartial, our General Assembly does have a longstanding view that continued EU membership is in the best interests of Scotland, Britain and the EU.

"This of course does not mean that we will be telling people from the pulpit how they should vote, but I hope it shows that we are up for a vibrant and energising debate. Individuals and institutions can rightly have an interest in the outcome, but over the next few months, in particular, we have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the importance of informed debate among politically engaged citizens."