Bishop urges people in Northamptonshire to 'unify' whatever the outcome of EU referendum

Bishop Donald Allister, whose diocese includes Northamptonshire, has issued a message ahead of britain’s vote on the EU on June 23.

Bishop Donald said people have a duty “to do the research, then to think, pray, and vote.”

He said: “I am encouraging the diocese to observe a day of prayer on 16 June, one week before the referendum. It is important to bring this matter and our own voting intentions to God.

“There is a real danger of a disunited country and parliament after the vote, and a real duty for all of us, but especially politicians, to work at staying united as a nation.”

Bishop Allister said he did have a “strong view” about the EU vote but he wouldn’t be sharing it or telling people what to do in the referendum

He said: “I’m not suggesting which way you should vote, nor telling you which way I am voting. That is not the job of church leaders, though doubtless some will try. Don’t listen to them. Make up your own mind.

“Whatever the outcome of the referendum (and I do have a very strong view about it), much more important is that through the debate and in the aftermath we as Christians can be talking about the great unity plan, God’s plan, to bring together all people, tribes, races, and languages, to know and love and worship and bow before Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”