The Church of England’s two most senior leaders have accused the UK’s main political parties of “stifling” reconciliation of social divisions.

The direct rebuke to political leaders comes in a special motion on the state of the nation to be considered at the C of E General Synod next month, weeks before the Brexit deadline.

The motion, tabled by Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, and John Sentamu, the archbishop of York, says “social divisions feel more entrenched and intractable than for many years”.

It expresses concern at “the divisions within the major political parties which are stifling the emergence of a hopeful and viable vision for the common good in our communities”.

Dioceses and parishes should pray regularly for local MPs, members of the government and civil servants, “seeking God’s strength and wisdom for the responsibilities they bear”.

The archbishops’ motion says the Christian commitment “to putting the voices of the poor and marginalised at the heart of the nation’s concerns” must be reaffirmed, and the “nation’s leaders must work together for the common good at this time of division”.

The wording does not explicitly refer to Brexit, but Welby has increasingly spoken out on his concerns about social and political divisions over the issue.

Earlier this month, he said a no-deal Brexit would hit the poorest and most vulnerable people in the UK, and would be “not only a political and practical failure, but a moral one”.

Welby voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, but has since stressed the need for reconciliation and restraint.

He told the House of Lords this month: “A second referendum is not my preference, but if parliament fails in the task entrusted to it then regrettably it may be required. This is about more than Brexit, and parliament must not show itself unfit for the job.”

A recent opinion poll [paywall] found 44% of Britons thought it was inappropriate for the archbishop to offer political opinions, compared with 35% who said it was appropriate.

Sentamu also voted to remain in the EU in 2016, but last month voted for Theresa May’s deal in the House of Lords.

A second referendum would result in a “further draining away of trust from an already discredited political class [that] would be of very great danger to the future government of Britain”, he wrote in the Yorkshire Post.

“Permanent loss of confidence in governmental institutions always results in civil unrest and violence.”

C of E officials have cleared almost two hours in the agenda of next month’s assembly of representatives of clergy, bishops and lay members of the church to debate the motion.

Divisions in the country over Brexit are reflected within the church, and debate is likely to see a clash of opinions on the way forward.

The four-day meeting in London is also scheduled to discuss homelessness, the environment, gambling and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The synod will also hear a report from a body examining issues around gender, identity and sexuality, including same-sex marriage. The “Living in Love and Faith” group, led by Christopher Cocksworth, the bishop of Coventry, has been considering the church’s position since June 2017.