EU referendum: Christians on both sides call for 'good disagreement' as campaign heats up

Christians on opposite sides of the EU debate have called for unity and "good disagreement" as the referendum campaign heats up before Thursday's vote.

A joint statement of unity signed by 11 Christians from different parties calls for a vote "for a more just and hopeful world". It is part of a wider campaign by the organisation Christians in Politics to encourage Christians to change the tone of political debate and "disagree well".

"Last week, we began writing a different letter," the statement read. "It called for a change in tone on the EU referendum debate. It called on voters of the Christian faith to turn away from the typical political discourse dominating this decision, and to find inspiration in a kinder, deeper framework of guidance for their vote.

"Tragically, the terrible death of our dear friend and colleague Jo Cox MP has now indeed marked a sea change in the tone of the referendum debate.

"The tensions felt up and down the nation before her death have in part been defused by a national outpouring of unity. Unity in grief. Unity in shock. Unity in condemnation of the politics of division."

The statement is signed by a number of MPs from both campaigns. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has signed the letter and will vote to remain in the EU alongside Labour's Jonathon Reynolds and Stephen Timms and the Conservatives John Glen and Jeremy Lefroy. The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson and Conservative minister Desmond Swayne have also signed the statement and will back Brexit.

Jonathon Reynolds, chair of Christians on the Left and MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, said it was important to recognise other aspects to the debate other than immigration and the economy.

"This referendum was about bigger questions like what kind of society do we want," he told Christian Today.

The pro-EU MP added he thought divides created in the referendum could be healed after Thursday's vote.

"Whichever side wins the result will be close. You have to respect the other side's views and there are genuine concerns over immigration. But you can have a discussion over immigration without resorting to the levels of Nigel Farage.

"We have made difficult decisions like this before and I hope we can heal afterwards." 

On Thursday Britons will vote on whether to remain a part of the European Union. It is the first time a vote has been held on its membership since 1975. 

related articles
#DisagreeWell: Christian EU debate attempts to shift poisonous rhetoric
#DisagreeWell: Christian EU debate attempts to shift poisonous rhetoric

#DisagreeWell: Christian EU debate attempts to shift poisonous rhetoric

Good disagreement: Christian principle or vacuous buzzword?
Good disagreement: Christian principle or vacuous buzzword?

Good disagreement: Christian principle or vacuous buzzword?

EU Referendum: Is it as simple as Catholic vs Protestant?
EU Referendum: Is it as simple as Catholic vs Protestant?

EU Referendum: Is it as simple as Catholic vs Protestant?

EU referendum: A vote to leave is not about selfish gain
EU referendum: A vote to leave is not about selfish gain

EU referendum: A vote to leave is not about selfish gain

EU referendum: A vote to leave is a risk Britain cannot afford to take
EU referendum: A vote to leave is a risk Britain cannot afford to take

EU referendum: A vote to leave is a risk Britain cannot afford to take

Hundreds of Christians to pray for EU referendum in Parliament Square

Hundreds of Christians to pray for EU referendum in Parliament Square

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.