THE General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has voted overwhelmingly to support staying in the EU, in the run-up to the referendum next month.

During a short debate, members of the Assembly spoke in favour of building bridges rather than erecting walls, although some also said that the Church should not be taking a position on the question.

The Revd Anita Sutter, a minister in Aberdeenshire, said she had never considered herself an immigrant until recently, having lived in the UK for more than 20 years. The prospect of the UK leaving the EU was causing sleepless nights and deep anxiety to her and millions of other Europeans living in Britain, she said.

The church-and-society convener, the Revd Sally Foster Fulton, welcomed the Assembly’s decision to back the Remain camp. “We have recognised the European Union’s achievements in promoting peace and security,” she said. But “We are not for one moment telling people how they should vote.”